Tom Brennan - Book Review

Tom Brennan is a 17-year-old boy who has always had a strong connection with rugby and his family. But when his world is changed by an accident, he struggles to adapt and understand what happened.

The story follows Tom and his family as they move to a new town and try to cope with the changes that have come about. The novel centres on issues that teenagers face such as relationships and fitting in. It is often studied in high schools and is a popular book for older readers.

Symbolism in the Book
The book is based on real life situations, with many of its themes and symbols referring to actual events in the author's own life. The author also draws from her experiences as a nurse to write about the different ways that people can react when they have been through a difficult time.

In the novel, Tom's brother Daniel is sent to jail and this makes a difference in the lives of the Brennan family. As a result, Tom and his mother have to leave the town they had been living in for their whole lives.

During the move to the new town, Tom is initially angry and anxious. But he is soon able to find friends in the new town and starts to realise that winning doesn't mean everything. He also learns about friendship and how important it is to keep your friends close, especially when you're going through tough times.

Brendan - The Book Character
Brendan is an important part of the novel as he helps to teach Tom about the new town. He is a mentor to Tom and helps him to cope with the changes that have occurred in his life. He also helps Tom to get fit and healthy which makes a huge difference in his life.

He is also a key player in helping Tom to understand the accident that he had suffered and how it affected him. He helps him to deal with the trauma of the accident by encouraging Tom and telling him that he can do it.

Tom's brother Daniel is also a key character in the book as he is a survivor just like Tom. He has to find a way to escape his past just as much as Tom has to.

Using Flashbacks and Changing Point of View
The use of flashbacks and changing point of views allows the reader to understand how the accident occurred. They are a way of showing how Tom and his family coped with the accident and how they came to live in their new home. This is a great way of letting the reader know that the changes that have happened are not due to chance but were actually caused by their own actions and decisions.

The flashbacks that are used throughout the book are very effective in showing how Tom has to adapt to the new town and what it is like for him to have to live with so much guilt. It is a powerful way of showing how Tom can cope with the changes that have taken place in his life and how he will have to live with them for the rest of his life.