Paper Boats

Set in the desperate turmoil of Germany during the final chapter of World War II, "Paper Boats" by Erndell Scott is an emotionally inspiring, fast-paced experiential read, examining the inevitable crossing of ideology, prejudice and faith amongst the chaos of a decimated post-war culture. As each character strives to find their own safety from enemies and persecution, two nine-year-old boys, Otto and Joseph, the most unlikely of partners with different faiths and beliefs, find themselves saviors for one another. Companions cast in deep personal conflict and entangled on an unforgiving journey, they become bound to each other, forever changing their individual perceptions of mankind, and unbeknownst to them, their very own hearts. The theme of this novel challenges the ideology of tolerance with the belief that in time it decays and builds resentment, which eventually leads to violence. Only through the true acceptance of one another can we as a society find peace and harmony. As on of my reviewers put it, "You will laugh and you will cry, sometimes at the same time."