Running Wild
Michael Morpurgo
●
2009
⚠️Content Warnings
Animal CrueltyDeathViolence
After his father is killed in Iraq, a surprise trip to Indonesia seems the perfect escape for Will and his mum. That is, until the elephant he is riding along the beach, Oona, spooks. As Will sees a huge wave crashing in, Oona runs into the jungle with Will holding on for dear life.
With nothing but the clothes on his back and both parents surely lost, Will wonders if there is much left for him in the world. But with Oona beside him, the jungle might turn out not to be so lonely . . .
Tonight’s fit
Best for readers who enjoy: Easy-read · Adventure · Steady
Easy-read
Indonesia
POV: First-Person
Published by Harper Collins
Characters
•
Animals
•
Children
•
Poacher
Sub-genre
•
Adventure
•
Animal Stories
Experience
•
Easy-read
•
Emotional
•
Vivid Imagery
Pace
Gentle
Adrenaline
Balanced
Tone
Light
Dark
Balanced
Book length
Short
Epic
Balanced
More nuance
Violence
Soft
Graphic
Balanced
Romance
Background
Front and centre
Background
Worldbuilding
Light touch
Deep & dense
Balanced
Readability
Breezy
Dense
Balanced
Humour
Serious
Very funny
Serious
Target audience
Younger
Adult
Balanced
Michael Morpurgo
Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Action & Adventure
Michael Morpurgo is a prolific and beloved British author, known for his enchanting children's stories like War Horse and Kensuke's Kingdom, which often feature themes of nature, survival, and outsiders, with vivid settings like the Cornish coast or wartime landscapes. A former teacher and Children's Laureate (2003-2005), he co-founded the charity Farms for City Children and uses storytelling to highlight literature's importance, with many books adapted for stage and screen.
Books By This Author
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Reader Reviews
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3.55
11
ratings
10
reviews
5 stars
3 (27%)
4 stars
3 (27%)
3 stars
2 (18%)
2 stars
3 (27%)
1 stars
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Mixed feelings: Running Wild
Mixed feelings on Running Wild, but I can see why people love it. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. I’d still read more from this author even with the flaws.
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Really enjoyed: Running Wild
I went into Running Wild with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
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Really enjoyed: Running Wild
Running Wild is the kind of book that hooks you early if you like its vibe. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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Mixed feelings: Running Wild
⚠️ Spoilers: minor plot detail mentioned below. Running Wild has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. Characters feel distinct, and the dialogue reads naturally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. There’s a specific turning point late in the book that changes the tone hard — that moment will make or break it for you. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
Spoiler ahead
Click to reveal this review.
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Didn’t work for me: Running Wild
Running Wild has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. Not perfect, but it did enough to keep me turning pages.
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Loved it: Running Wild
Running Wild has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. A couple of sections could have been trimmed without losing anything. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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