Now or Never: A Dunkirk Story by Bali Rai
“The Voices series is perfect for bringing the History curriculum to life through great stories. Now or Never: A Dunkirk Story, gives us an alternative view of the story we’ve been told about Dunkirk. Fazel is an Indian soldier in the Royal Indian Corps who runs away from his home to follow in his beloved grandfather’s footsteps and become a soldier. Fazel’s romanticised perception of what it would be like and the reality couldn’t be more polar. He finds himself weaponless (the Indian troops were not allowed guns) and responsible for three mules while trying to survive relentless bombing from the Germans. His regiment are trying to support British troops but with the Germans advancing, Fazel’s captain is given the orders to get to Dunkirk and evacuate. It’s in Dunkirk that the true horror of Fazel’s situation becomes apparent. While the story is accessible for UKS2 children and can be read and enjoyed independently, I feel it would be most beneficial to have opportunity to read and discuss it with an adult.”