Review: Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle

Until the Road Ends is a powerful and heartfelt adventure set during World War II, a story of the enduring strength of friendship, and the incredible journey a devoted dog will take to be reunited with his friend when she most needs him.  Heart-breaking, hopeful and a testament to the courage of the animals who became wartime heroes.

In the days preceding the outbreak of World War II, street-dog Beau is saved from near-death by a young girl, Peggy Alford.  Learning to trust humans is difficult for Beau, but Peggy is protective of him and clearly loves him, and so a strong bond quickly grows between the two as he becomes a part of the family which includes Peggy’s parents, her younger brother Wilf and his cat, Mabel, who is the only one who does not welcome Beau.  Beau, however, is clever and quickly learns how to handle the aloof, sarcastic Mabel whilst remaining a loved member of the family.

When Beau meets Bomber, a homing pigeon intent on helping in the impending war effort, he learns that he may well be separated from Peggy as children will be evacuated from London to keep them safe.  It is not long before his fear of losing Peggy becomes reality as their parents make the difficult decision to evacuate Peggy and Wilf to stay with their aunt Sylvie on the South Coast.  Peggy only agrees to leave Beau behind when her parents promise her that they will do all in their power to keep Beau and Mabel safe from the government’s scheme to put animals down at the start of the war.  Peggy stays in contact with Beau through the heartfelt letters which she sends him revealing how much she misses Beau, but also reassuring him that he is in her thoughts.

Beau soon finds himself helping in the war effort as the Blitz rains its endless terror on the people of London.  He accompanies Mr Alford on his duties as an air raid warden and, with his keen sense of smell, helps find and rescue those who have been trapped by collapsing buildings.  If he senses life beneath the rubble, he never gives up and proves himself a determined and courageous war hero.  The bond of trust which develops between Beau and Mr Alford is incredibly touching as is the reference to Syd and her family from When the Sky Falls. These scenes of life and death on the streets of London during the Blitz are heart-breaking, but are also a testament to the resilience and endurance of all those, including animals, who showed heroic efforts in caring for others, putting their own lives in constant danger.

Following a terrifying night of bombing, Beau finds himself all alone in London and desperate to be reunited with Peggy who he knows will need him more than ever.  And so, he finds himself on an unforgettable adventure, accompanied by an eager, helpful Bomber and a much more reluctant Mabel.  Together, they undertake a journey filled with danger, discoveries and hardship, but one in which they show incredible courage, friendship and teamwork as they fight for what they all need.  On their way, they meet both friends and foe, those in need of help and those intent on causing harm whether they be human, crocodile, foxes or rats.

This story doesn’t shy away from the horrific loss and injustice of war and the harsh, painful realities for those living through it and trying to survive.  The bravery and sacrifice of the animals and humans living through this time was both awe-inspiring and heart-breaking. 

I loved that this story is told from the perspective of three animals who are all very different, all of whom I really liked.  Former street dog Beau is kind-hearted, courageous and tenacious in his efforts to help others and to be reunited with Peggy, the young girl who rescued him, and who he is now determined to save when her world is torn apart.  Bomber, a homing pigeon, is the most loyal friend who is determined to help Beau before serving his country by helping in the war effort.  Mabel, the cat, has more in common with Beau than at first seems.  She hides her fear of rejection and love for Wilf, Peggy’s brother, behind a sarcastic, seemingly uncaring, exterior but she is there for Beau when he needs her most. 

This is an awe-inspiring, poignant story of courage, friendship and hope that completely captivated me, a story that brought both smiles and tears, and is one that I cannot recommend highly enough for readers of 9+.