Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Genre: Children's Historical Fiction / Diary Fiction / Animal Story

Book Review:

''Out of the Ashes'' by Michael Morpurgo, the acclaimed author of ''War Horse'' and ''Private Peaceful,'' is a deeply moving and powerful account of one of the most devastating events in modern British farming history – the 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.

Told through the diary entries of young Becky Morley, the story unfolds with heartbreaking immediacy. Becky lives on a farm in Devon, surrounded by animals she loves. Her world is filled with the rhythms of rural life, the birth of piglets, and her special bond with a hand-reared lamb named Little Josh. When news breaks of Foot and Mouth disease hundreds of miles away, it feels distant and unreal. But the disease spreads with terrifying speed, and soon the nightmare is on their doorstep. Becky's diary chronicles the agonizing wait, the growing fear, and the eventual, devastating arrival of the cull.

This is not a comfortable read, but it is an essential one. Morpurgo does not shy away from the horror and the grief. He captures the immense emotional toll on farming families, the loss of livelihood, and the heartbreaking destruction of animals that are not just stock, but beloved companions. The diary format makes the experience incredibly personal and immediate. Michael Foreman's illustrations add a poignant layer, capturing both the beauty of the farm and the desolation of the aftermath.

''Out of the Ashes'' is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the deep bond between people and the land. It's a story about hope emerging from tragedy, about picking up the pieces and starting again. Perfect for readers aged 10 and up, this book offers a profound lesson in empathy, loss, and the strength of community. It's a powerful, unforgettable read that will stay with you. Highly recommended.