46 pages • 1 hour read
Then
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
184
Novel • Fiction
Poland • 1940s
2008
YA
12-15 years
Super Short Summary
Then by Morris Gleitzman follows Felix Salinger and Zelda as they navigate the dangers of Nazi-occupied Poland, seeking refuge with Genia, a Polish farmer. Felix, a Jewish boy, and Zelda, who has renounced her Nazi parents, adopt new identities to blend in, while dealing with the complexities of survival and loyalty in an environment filled with antisemitism and violence. Contains depictions of genocide and suicidality.
Emotional
Inspirational
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
14,152 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Morris Gleitzman's Then beautifully continues the story from Once, offering a poignant blend of hope and despair in WWII. Readers praise its emotional depth and character development, particularly of Felix and Zelda. However, some critique the predictability and occasional melodrama. Overall, it's a compelling read that captures the essence of survival and friendship amidst war.
Who Should Read Then?
Readers who would enjoy Then by Morris Gleitzman are typically middle grade and young adult audiences intrigued by historical fiction. Fans of The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne or The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will appreciate the heartfelt and poignant portrayal of children navigating complex and perilous times during the Holocaust.
14,152 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zelda
Zelda
A spirited six-year-old girl traveling with Felix, known for her courageous nature and defiant attitude towards anything she perceives as unjust.
Genia
Genia
A compassionate Polish farmer who shelters Felix and Zelda, taking great personal risks to keep them safe during a dangerous time.
Cyryl Szynsky
Cyryl Szynsky
A local boy and antagonist who, suspicious of Felix's background, actively seeks to expose him as Jewish.
Amon Kurtz
Amon Kurtz
A Hitler Youth member who questions Nazi ideology and unexpectedly becomes an ally to Felix through their shared appreciation of literature.
Dov
Dov
A Jewish orphan filled with anger and mistrust who exemplifies the impact of trauma and loss, initially misjudged by Felix.
184
Novel • Fiction
Poland • 1940s
2008
YA
12-15 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.