Shadow
Michael Morpurgo
●
2010
⚠️Content Warnings
Graphic ViolenceOppressive RegimesTortureWar
A powerful novel from Michael Morpurgo, the nation’s favourite storyteller…
SHADOW broke all Michael Morpurgo records in hardback, selling a massive 50,000 copies through TCM in the first twelve weeks. Now, the phenomenon arrives in paperback, ready to take the mass market by storm…
This is the story of Aman, as told in his own words – a boy from Afghanistan fleeing the horror of the Afghan war. When a western dog shows up outside the caves where Aman lives with his mother, Aman is initially repulsed – it is not customary for people to keep dogs as pets in his part of the world. But when Aman and his mother finally decide to make a bid for freedom, the dog Aman has called Shadow will not leave their side. Soon it becomes clear: the destinies of boy and dog are linked, and always will be…
Tonight’s fit
Best for readers who enjoy: Easy-read · Adventure · Steady
Easy-read
Afghanistan
POV: Multi-POV
Published by Harper Collins
Characters
•
Animals
•
Dog
•
Soldiers
Sub-genre
•
Adventure
•
Animal Stories
•
War
Experience
•
Easy-read
•
Emotional
•
Vivid Imagery
Pace
Gentle
Adrenaline
Balanced
Tone
Light
Dark
Balanced
Book length
Short
Epic
Short
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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3.40
10
ratings
10
reviews
5 stars
2 (20%)
4 stars
3 (30%)
3 stars
2 (20%)
2 stars
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Loved it: Shadow
⚠️ Spoilers: minor plot detail mentioned below. Shadow has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. The atmosphere is the standout — it’s easy to sink into. There’s a specific turning point late in the book that changes the tone hard — that moment will make or break it for you. Not perfect, but it did enough to keep me turning pages.
Spoiler ahead
Click to reveal this review.
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Didn’t work for me: Shadow
Shadow is the kind of book that hooks you early if you like its vibe. The middle drags and repeats the same tension a bit too long. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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Loved it: Shadow
⚠️ Spoilers: minor plot detail mentioned below. Shadow is the kind of book that hooks you early if you like its vibe. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. There’s a specific turning point late in the book that changes the tone hard — that moment will make or break it for you. Not perfect, but it did enough to keep me turning pages.
Spoiler ahead
Click to reveal this review.
0
0
Didn’t work for me: Shadow
I went into Shadow with pretty normal expectations and it surprised me. The ending resolves fast compared to how much it builds up. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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0
Really enjoyed: Shadow
Shadow has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. The atmosphere is the standout — it’s easy to sink into. If you’re on the fence, try a sample — you’ll know quickly.
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Mixed feelings: Shadow
Shadow has a strong core idea — the execution mostly works. There are a few scenes that genuinely hit emotionally. The ending resolves fast compared to how much it builds up. Overall, I’d recommend it to the right reader.
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