Duel - Softcover

Grossman, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0747540934 ISBN 13: 9780747540939

Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books, 1999

Synopsis

I was twelve years old when what I'm about to tell you took place. Today, sixteen years later, I still recall the pounding of my heart as I heard the approaching footsteps of the bully of Heidelberg University. Above me on the bed sat Heinrich Rosenthal, a little man, seventy years old, with a big white mane of hair, but under the bed I was very much alone, and I remember thinking in those moments of suspense, Mom's right, maybe I should go out and make friends my own age instead of always hanging around by myself or with weird people like Mr Rosenthal. So begins an intriguing tale of friendship between an extraordinarily beguiling boy and an old man with a past - a history that shapes the plot of "Duel" and cleverly unfurls in the way real stories do between friends. David and Mr Rosenthal are generations apart in age but equally brave, equally stubborn and each as unique for their years as the other.

About this title

About the Author

David Grossman was born in Jerusalem in 1954. He is the author of four adult novels including the acclaimed Zigzag Kid, also published by Bloomsbury and winner of both the Premio Grinzane and the Premio Mondelo in Italy. He has been published in twenty two languages and has won numerous international awards.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7–A brief novel that takes place over a two-day period in Jerusalem in 1966. Twelve-year-old David's best friend is 70-year-old Heinrich Rosenthal, who is accused of stealing a valuable charcoal drawing from Rudy Schwartz, known years ago as the Bully of Heidelberg University. Rudy challenges Heinrich to an old-fashioned duel of honor with pistols. Mr. Rosenthal, although innocent, feels he must honor the code of his youth, even if it means his death. David has until the following afternoon to prevent a tragedy and straighten out the awful predicament that involves three countries, several love affairs, a stolen picture worth millions, and two World War I pistols. To do this, he must use his best sleuthing skills to find out the real thief. Along the way, he learns much about his friend as well as about anti-Semitism and Jerusalem in the 1930s when the potential duelers were in college. David uncovers the story of two paintings, one of a woman's eyes and the other of her mouth, given by the beautiful artist to these two men, who were both in love with her. David, sensitive and imaginative, recounts the story with wit and humor 16 years later. This mystery reads like a tall tale, with larger-than-life characters and dire circumstances. The translation is natural and seamless. The memorable characters and quirky situation make this a great read-aloud.–Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME
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About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens Books
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0747540934
• ISBN 13: 9780747540939
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112