“I am David” by Anne Holm recounts the tale of a twelve-year-old boy’s experiences in World War II. The narrative tracks David as he flees from a Nazi concentration camp, aided by a prison guard. Having spent much of his existence imprisoned, David finds it challenging to adjust to the outside world. At first, he lives in perpetual fear of capture by the Germans while on the run. Ultimately, he arrives in Salonika and is captivated by its breathtaking beauty. Continuing his odyssey, David reaches an Italian village and becomes entranced by its vibrant ambiance and picturesque surroundings.
David expresses gratitude for the kindness of the people in the town but sadly discovers circulating rumors among residents, prompting his decision to leave and continue his journey. He eventually reaches another small town deeper within the Italian countryside where he sets up camp and enjoys its beauty for a few days. However, one day a 14-year-old boy accuses him of theft and physically assaults him. Instead of retaliating, David chooses to peacefully walk away without fighting back. Little does he know that he will encounter this young boy again in the future!
The passage I’m about to discuss in my opinion is the most memorable and heartbreaking part of the book. It shows David’s journey towards happiness, as well as his confrontation of past mistakes while seeking forgiveness. This section focuses on the key event of David saving Maria from a fire and then being welcomed into her home. It is at this place that he unexpectedly reunites with Carlo, a 14-year-old boy whom he usually avoids interacting closely with. However, Maria greatly enjoys David’s company and often asks him affectionate questions.
David answering this had become a daily ritual, and he had many happy days with the family. One night, late at night, the parents of the children were talking together. David had been listening to this conversation as the main subject was HIM. The mother of the children was unhappy with David because he always excluded Carlo, which deeply hurt him. David would tell Maria about the war and all evil things, which made the mother fear that he was a negative influence on Maria and her three other brothers.
David was originally supposed to be politely asked to leave the next morning, but upon learning this, he no longer wished to stay with the children’s family. Instead, he departed in darkness after leaving a farewell letter on his room’s table. He journeyed for several days and appreciated the countryside’s beauty. Eventually, he stumbled upon a town where he encountered joyous and carefree individuals who seemed unaffected by the war. Witnessing their bliss made David perceive them as fortunate. While there, he earned some money and purchased cheese and bread wrapped in newspaper which contained a letter from Maria’s parents expressing regret and urging him to return. However, despite their plea, David resolved to continue his expedition.
As people in the cheerful town began questioning his identity, David left once more and proceeded through the countryside. Along his path, he met an intrigued painter who desired to create his portrait. The painter invited David for dinner and extended accommodation for a few nights – an invitation that he gladly accepted.
David is praised for his table setting skills and enjoys the company of his host. One day, the host presents David with a photo album to peruse. While flipping through the pages, a photograph of an exquisite woman slips out. Intrigued, David inquires about her. The host proceeds to recount that she is a friend who has endured immense hardship – having lost both her husband and son in a concentration camp. Nevertheless, she managed to flee with the assistance of a guard who held profound love for her. This extraordinary tale renders her as the sole survivor.
The artist informs him that her friend resides in Denmark, leading David to discover that his mother, who had escaped from a concentration camp, lives there. This revelation gives him a newfound sense of purpose, motivating him to embark on the arduous journey to Denmark. Despite encountering mistreatment and enslavement by a harsh farmer along the way, David forms a strong bond with a dog who ultimately becomes his savior. Together, they press on until they confront the last obstacle separating Germany and Denmark, only to realize that they are still several hundred miles away from a concentration camp.
The dog bravely protects him by leaping in front of him and shielding him from a bullet, demonstrating its willingness to sacrifice its own life. David realizes that he had not coerced the dog into making this sacrifice. He expresses gratitude to the God of peaceful surroundings and proceeds on his quest to locate his mother. He has now arrived in Denmark but faces the challenge of transitioning from rural areas to the urban environment. To overcome this obstacle, he accepts a ride from a passerby.
This is the moment of realization for him as he cannot determine which house his mother lives in. While pondering this, he considers finding a place to rest and continues exploring the city until he falls on a doorstep. Unexpectedly, the door opens and a woman comes out. Noticing him, she cries out, “You’re my son, David.” The author ends the book with the reunion of mother and son, leaving an abrupt ending without any additional information provided in an epilogue. The destiny of other characters after David’s reunion with his mother remains unknown.
