Cormier, R. (1998). Heroes. Laurel Leaf.
Summary
Francis went to the War to die. During World War II, Francis fell onto a grenade that blew off his face, but left him living. When he returns to his home of Frenchtown, readers are taken through his life pre-war and learn that Francis blames himself for the rape of his first love, Nicole, by the man whom he previously idolized, Larry LaSalle. Francis uses his facelessness to hide his identity while seeking revenge, by plotting murder. When Francis finally is able to have his revenge, will he take it?
A Teacher's Perspective
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. It has the essence of Of Mice and Men and even a bit of Gatsby in writing style, but it's not what I was expecting when I saw the title. This would be a book I'd recommend for older students, especially with such intense topics such as rape and murder, but definitely not one I would ignore. It's almost a look into sin and justification, while maintaining a revenge and personal growth plot.
Want to know more?
To purchase your own copy of Heroes: Click here!
There is a full playlist of a woman reading the chapters if you would like audio to teach it in your classroom available on YouTube. The first chapter is posted below.
Comments