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Heroes Review

"Write about it, Francis. Maybe you can find the answer that way."

So he'll find that typewriter and get started.

Really a poignant narrative, this story. It had the potential to be ugly, full of vengeance, revenge, hate and self-pity. But the circumstances that led young Francis, our war veteran and hero, to be in the predicament in which he finds himself would have justified his vengeance, hatefulness, self-pity and - "the worst sin of all" - despair. Thankfully, in the end this was not an ugly story of hate and revenge, though hateful events are portrayed.

There are various thematic discussions that could be had by those who read this story, but the one that captured me the most is the societal notion of the "hero" and what defines such. As young Francis finally discovered - a discovery that saved his life from the sin of despair - heroism is not determined by how society and the masses might define it. It goes way beyond...and is very personal.

I appreciated how the author uses his protagonist to present themes to the reader that might provide for some introspection. I would certainly read more by Cormier.

Heroes Overview

In Heroes, Robert Cormier explores the nature of heroism through a young and tragic life.

Francis Cassavant returns from World War II to seek revenge on his childhood hero. He lost his face in France when he fell on a grenade, earning the Silver Star for Bravery. His hero also holds the Silver Star for Bravery--but do either deserve it? Examine the nature of heroism in the latest powerful novel from Robert Cormier.

Heroes Specifications

Eighteen-year-old Francis Cassavant has returned from World War II an unwilling hero. Although he can still see and hear, a grenade has blown away his nose, his ears, his teeth, and his cheeks, leaving him faceless. Hiding his ghastly wounds with bandages and a white silk scarf, Francis welcomes the anonymity his mutilation brings him, for he has returned to his hometown with a secret mission--a plot for revenge (against his enemy Larry LaSalle) that he values more than his own life. Francis's eerily matter-of-fact acceptance of his hideous mien, along with his sweetness and selflessness, contrast sharply with his obsessive need for vengeance. No one recognizes him as the quiet kid who once loved Nicole Renard and hung out with fellow teens at the Wreck Center. LaSalle, formerly a charismatic youth leader, has also come back from the war a hero, and only Francis knows the dark side of this older man's concern for young people. But does LaSalle's one evil act wipe out all the good he has done? And is Francis just as guilty because he could have prevented it and didn't?

Robert Cormier--winner of the Margaret A. Edwards Award and many other honors--has once again crafted a riveting yarn of psychological suspense. Francis's story is revealed only gradually in hints that keep the reader guessing. Young teens will find it a quick and absorbing read, and older adolescents (and full-fledged adults, too) will relish pondering the many-sided ethical questions Cormier raises about heroism, guilt, and forgiveness. (Ages 13 to 16) --Patty Campbell

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Customer Reviews

A story of hope: "Maybe I should buy a typewriter and get started." - Not Miss Havisham -
From the very first introduction to Francis Cassavant, I was taken with this powerful narrative. To have no face, to be misunderstood, to be anonymous, to have every action misinterpreted in a confused and rapidly changing world...to have a plan of revenge, to learn valuable lessons, to gain hope, to live...
Cormier is economical and powerful in this book, as in the villain Larry's question, "Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the good things?", followed by his own answer, for which you will have to read the book. He creates a picture (of a period in history and of a community and a character) which was very moving. This piece explores what makes a true hero, which the reader discovers together with the protagonist. It is only when Francis finds the answer that he is able to move on and find hope and future, "Maybe I should try...".

A beautiful story which was introduced to me by an esteemed colleague, when talking about favourite reads, with the line "It's amazing that the heart makes no noise when it cracks."

An interesting take on the word 'hero' and what it means to us - Helen Simpson - Leeds, England
I have to admit that I'm not the target audience for this book (being forty something) but that's certainly not stopped me enjoying other books aimed at teenagers. This however, whilst keeping my interest, isn't one of my favourites although it IS thought provoking.

The story highlights the innocence of youth and how impotent we can be when we're young. Our emotions and feelings can be confusing during those teenage years and this particular story highlights how some adults abuse the trust put in them.

The title of the book plays on the concept of what a hero is. Some people we admire and consider to be our heroes aren't heroes at all, they're weak and disappoint us...yet without them would we be the people we are? Others are more ordinary in our eyes and we don't always consider them to be heroic...but are they the real heroes?

Even as an adult I had conflicting feelings about one of the main characters and one line in particular made me think.
"Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the good things?" Instinctively the answer is yes, yet it's a little more complex than that.

This is a sombre book which deals with the pain of growing up, guilt and disappointment. Although the ending cannot be described as uplifting and didn't end happily ever after as I think we instinctively would like sometimes - I like to think it was hopeful and that Francis went on to learn from his experiences and get over his guilt - the guilt he didn't deserve to carry.

My favorite Cormier - -
I have heard great recommendations of this book. However, when I started it, I wasn't exactly thrilled. It was okay, but so far it didn't seem like anything completely different or amazing. As soon as I was really starting to feel let down, though, Cormier caught my complete attention with his mysterious ommissions and made me start to wonder "what on earth is going on?" In Heroes, Robert Cormier uses the reader's curiosity as a tool to lure them, absorbing them in the book.
When I finally figured out why everything was happening as it was, I was once again left with a question: Does one sin wipe away all the good things? The main character, Francis' childhood hero, Larry LaSalle, is suddenly revealed for a rapist as Francis realizes that LaSalle is ravaging this poor teenager's own girlfriend. Francis struggles to realize if deep down, there is still good in Larry LaSalle.
Heroes stirs curiosity, startles with imagery, and completely dissects the word "hero", letting you discover what it really means. Hero will never be the word it was after reading this book.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Jun 28, 2010 01:45:05

Children's Books

Sunday, June 27, 2010