I wouldn't exactly say that this book is made of short stories, because in some way they are all connected, but then again, I wouldn't say this is a novel either.

As the title suggests, it is a story of a young boy by the name of Tom Kipper and his experiences during his school days. It is not about his days in school, although his school is a big part of the story.

It's about a young Irish lad growing up during the Second World war in Liverpool, England. Many character's play a part in Tom's life. You were introduced to teachers, schoolmates, people in Tom's community, and his family. You get a real sense of a small town community. Each character strong and vivid. One would think it to be difficult remembering all the character's. I had started making a list of the character's, but my list was growing rapidly. Most of the character's are only mentioned once in a chapter (short story), that one didn't really have try and remember them all.

It didn't take long before what I read made me giggle. It was enjoyable to read. Each character had their own unique personality. Each situation was different from the last, but still connected to another.

By the time, I was half way through the book, I found I was reading in an Irish accent. (You've been warned).

Right from the beginning I realized that there was really no plot, but rather stories, situations, events, circumstances about Tom Kipper's life during his schooldays.

The end summed it up nicely. ( )