Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth
Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth by Sheila O’Connor is a reprint edition published by Penguin on May 14, 2019. This 384-page middle-grade novel is set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and follows eleven-year-old Reenie Kelly as she navigates the challenges of losing her mother and adjusting to life with her brothers at their grandmother’s home. Reenie’s life takes a turn when she starts a paper route with her older brother Dare, leading her to form an unexpected friendship with Mr. Marsworth, the town recluse, through a series of letters.
In their correspondence, Reenie shares her fears about her brother Billy potentially enlisting to fight in the Vietnam War. Mr. Marsworth, a staunch pacifist, becomes invested in Reenie’s plight and offers his support to help her keep Billy from going to war. This narrative explores themes of friendship, family, and social issues, providing readers with a poignant look at the impact of war on young lives. Sheila O’Connor’s storytelling captures the essence of devotion and sacrifice, making this historical fiction a thoughtful exploration of personal and social themes.
Official synopsis Publisher
Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, one young girl is determined to save her brother from the draft—and gets help from an unlikely source—in this middle-grade tale, perfect for fans of The Wednesday Wars
When eleven-year-old Reenie Kelly’s mother passes away, she and her brothers are shipped off to live with their grandmother. Adjusting to life in her parents’ Midwestern hometown isn’t easy, but once Reenie takes up a paper route with her older brother Dare, she has something she can look forward to. As they introduce themselves to every home on their route, Reenie’s stumped by just one—the house belonging to Mr. Marsworth, the town recluse. When he doesn’t answer his doorbell, Reenie begins to leave him letters. Slowly, the two become pen pals, striking up the most unlikely of friendships.
Through their letters, Reenie tells of her older brother Billy, who might enlist to fight in the Vietnam War. Reenie is desperate to stop him, and when Mr. Marsworth hears this, he knows he can’t stand idly by. As a staunch pacifist, Mr. Marsworth offers to help Reenie. Together, they concoct a plan to keep Billy home, though Reenie doesn’t know Mr. Marsworth’s dedication to her cause goes far beyond his antiwar beliefs.
In this heartwarming piece of historical fiction, critically acclaimed author Sheila O’Connor delivers a tale of devotion, sacrifice, and family.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth” about?
Who is the author of “Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth”?
When was “Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth” published?
What is the ISBN for “Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
