Com os Olhos do Coração

by Virginia Macgregor

Milo tem nove anos e é praticamente cego - é como se visse tudo pelo buraco de uma agulha. Felizmente a bisavó, de 92 anos, ensina-o a olhar para o mundo de uma maneira diferente: se ele prestar mesmo muita atenção, conseguirá ver coisas que mais ninguém vê.
E o que ele vê não é bonito. Desde que o pai se foi embora de casa, "com a sua Galdéria para Abu Dhabi", a mãe anda triste, sempre com o mesmo vestido de folhos, e a queixar-se de falta de dinheiro. Resta-lhe apenas o consolo de Hamlet, o seu porquinho de estimação, e as conversas com a bisavó sobre tempos idos.
Um dia, porém, a bisavó quase incendeia a casa e é enviada para um lar de terceira idade. Milo fica destroçado. Ainda por cima ele vê no lar coisas que mais ninguém vê. Por trás da fachada imaculada do edifício, os idosos vivem aterrorizados pela diretora, a sinistra Enfermeira Thornhill. Milo tem agora uma missão quase impossível.
Com os Olhos do Coração é a epopeia heróica de um rapaz que não se conforma em perder a bisavó e que tudo fará para a resgatar.
Obra de culto de Virginia MacGregor, traduzida em mais de vinte países, Com os Olhos do Coração dá-nos a conhecer uma inesquecível personagem e, através dela, a insensatez do mundo em que vivemos.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Young Adult, Mystery, Novels, Disability, British Literature

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

I was brought up in Germany, France and England by a mother who never stopped telling stories. From the moment I was old enough to hold a pen, I set about writing my own, often late into the night – or behind my Maths textbook at school. My maiden name is Virginia Woods: I was named after two great women, Virginia Wade and Virginia Woolf, in the hope I would be a writer and a tennis star. My early years were those of a scribbling, rain-loving child who prayed for lightning to strike my tennis coach.

After studying at Oxford, I started writing regularly whilst working as an English Teacher and Housemistress. I now write full time for both adults and young adults. My fiction tackles contemporary issues, often through the lens of family life.

My debut novel, 'What Milo Saw,' came out in 2014: it reflects the humour and tragedy of contemporary Britain through four very different voices: 9 year old Milo, 92 year old Lou (Milo’s Gran), 27 year old Sandy (Milo’s mum) and 24 year old Tripi (a Syrian refugee). It explores a range of issues from the nursing home crisis in the UK, coping as a single mum, being a refugee to living with a disability - Milo has a degenerative eye condition called Retinitis Pigementosa which means he has no periphery vision - but, paradoxically, he picks up on more of what's going on than those around him, especially in his Gran's nursing home.

My second novel, 'The Return of Norah Wells' came out in 2016: it tells the story of a mother who walked out on her young family and came back six years later expecting to pick up where she left off . The novel takes place over a May bank holiday and, like Milo, is told through several points of view: Willa (7), Ella (14), Norah (The Mother Who Left), Fay (The Mother Who Stayed) and Adam - the dad. It's a real family drama and I hope that it will lead to some interesting discussions amongst my readers about what it means to be a mum today.

My third novel, 'Born To Be Yours', tells the story of seven year old Jonah, a Kenyan boy abandoned at Heathrow airport. He is taken in by social services and matched with Rosie and Sam Keep, a British couple who long to have child to call their own. As the three of them are brought together they are thrown into a drama which will challenge their notions of what it means to be a family and Rosie and Sam have to confront the hardest question of all: how far are they prepared to go for someone who isn't their own child?

I'm working on my fourth novel for adults, 'Forgetting You', about a man found in Regent's Park with no memory of who he is or where is from. This will be out in 2018.

In 2017 I published my first Young Adult novel, 'Wishbones'. It's been a dream of mine to write for both adults and young adults. The story is also contemporary: it's about fourteen year old Feather Tucker who lives with her morbidly obese mother who has been given six months to live. Feather sees it as her duty to save her mother's life but as she begins to dig into her parents' past to find out why her mother got so sick, Feather's life and that of the people in the small village where she and her family live, change forever.

I live currently live in Concord, New Hampshire, with my husband, Hugh, my two little girls, Tennessee Skye and Somerset Wilder and a wonderful white dogcat (he comes on walks with us), Seb. I love to write in coffee shops and I walk every day, which is as much part of my creative process as putting words on the page. Nothing makes me happier than knowing that readers are enjoying my stories so please get in touch and share your experience of reading my novels.

Do also take a look at my website (www.virginiamacgregor.com) where you can find out more about my life as a writer, upcoming books and events.

Reviews

[Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Milo Saw is the beautiful tale of the unique perspective of a boy called Milo, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa.This condition results in poor eyesight which will eventually leave Milo to go blind but at the moment his vision is like seeing through a pinhole.His reduced vision causes him to see things differently from others and he sees what most people miss.

Milo loves his gran very dearly and enjoys caring for her but when she is moved into the local nursing home, Milo is upset especially when he discovers the mistreatment Nurse Thornhill displays towards the old people.

This was an endearing novel full of love and tragedy.The characters are easy to like as they're complex but intriguing.The novel switches between several of these characters which aided the flow and entertainment of the book.

What Milo Saw is an enjoyable, easy read which managed to be funny and sad.It deals with many important themes in a serious and light-hearted way, while raising your awareness to the things happening around you.

For me, this was a wonderful book due to the fantastic characters, gripping story and strong themes present in the book.It's an uplifting tale of Milo's journey through family, friends and determination.I finished this book with a smile on my face and a more positive outlook on life.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I'm not a kid you know, said Milo, standing up. ****[Milo is 9 years old]
"Of course not. That's why you're going to do the adult thing and go home – – – you are going to do the extra miles."
"The extra mile?"
"Make an effort."
Milo nodded but stared at the floor.
"And if I'm still not happy tomorrow, I can come back?"
"It is a promise."

Milo has 'Retinitis Pigmentosa', which is a degenerative eye disease that causes severe vision impairment. The peripheral vision becomes increasingly progressive ...'tunnel vision' ---eventually can lead to blindness.
What Milo lacks in vision--he more than makes up for it in other ways.
People around him seem to be more blind than this kid.

This is a 'gem' of a story!
Much is centered around a nursing home. Milo's favorite person on earth, his grandmother, 'Gran', has recently moved in. Milo's other most favorite friend is Hamlet, his pet pig.
Milo seems to be the only person who is concerned that the older people are not being taken care of properly. His plan is to get his Gran back living with he and his mom. He wanted his Gran to live with him like she did before his mum said "enough"... and found the home for her...
have a deeper purpose to get her back, because she looked worse since she was sent there.

Milo develops a relationship with the cook at the nursing home, Tripi, who has recently come to England from Syria. ---and possibly the only staff member there that he trusts.
Tripi travel through Turkey, Greece, and Italy and France – – – to Buckingham palace. He got separated from his younger 12 year old sister, Ayishah.
Tripi and his sister were running from explosions and gunfire's....as the Sunnis and Alawis were always at war with each other. Milo not only helps him with a place to sleep at night - other than a park bench- but he wants to help bring Tripi locate his sister. Milo's heart was so big...it made mine ache a little for this young boy. I wanted to give him the biggest hug.

Milo's love and purpose was so pure. How many 9 year old boy's would rather visit their grandmother in the nursing home every day after school rather than play with kids their own age? Not many. His compassion for the elderly was more sincere than most adults.
His friend Tripi shared the same passion as Milo, when it came to the elderly, because in his country, older people lived with their families - not in nursing homes.
They had a powerful- beautiful friendship- are they both contributed to each other.

There are many wonderful themes running through this novel.... Great for all ages! It takes a special person - with great talent- and deep compassionate love themselves- to write a book this good ... so fully satisfying.
Smiling.... Cozy- fuzzy- warm feelings all over!!!!

Thank you to Little Brown Books - Netgalley- and Virginia Macgregor!!!!!!

[Maxine (Booklover Catlady) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley, a huge thanks to the publisher and author for the opportunity to review.

What a lovely book, profound, important, funny, poignant and enjoyable.

Milo has a rare sight condition where he sees the world through his eyes like a pinhole viewpoint. This doesn't stop him from noticing things that others miss, he's clever, lovable and brave this young man.

He has a pet pig called Hamlet and loves his Gran very much. The book switches viewpoints between a few central characters, which flowed really well in this novel.

Milo has concerns over the nursing home where his Gran has gone to live, he's a bit of an amateur sleuth and he doesn't like what he sees going on in the nursing home one little bit. It raises important issues this book but does it with warmth and humour, at the same time making you think.

The whole book is a special journey with Milo and the people in his life, new friends, family and the not so nice people he wants to teach a lesson to.

It's a nice book, a feel good book with a wonderful ending that made me want to cheer for them all. There are some fantastic characters in the book, many of them easy to warm to and embrace.

I loved Milo's view on life for a young kid, I love his guts, his passion for the truth, the way he loves and helps his Gran and the special bond he has with his pet pig Hamlet.

Milo finds just what he is really capable of in the novel, and it's a nice feeling to have gone on the journey with him. A nice read , loved the smiles it gave me.

For more reviews, books to win and much more visit me at:

https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute and charming, albeit whimsical read about a young boy trying to get his grandma out of an evil nursing home. For once I actually liked the multiple narratives in a book, as I felt that having the adults narratives and not just Milo's added to the story in a great way.

I feel that if it was just Milo, it might have turned a little tedious. So I appreciate how well the multiple narratives was done. Annnd I actually liked them all equally. Miracles all around.

I can't really think of what else to add to this review, overall I found this book to be adorable and a little sad and I'm glad that I read it.

Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mais uma leitura xaroposa e que me embalou durante uns horas docinhas.

Opinião no meu cantinho (a partir do minuto 12:07): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_pWs...

NOTA - 08/10

[David Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo is nine years old and sees things differently to other people. He lives with his mum, his gran and his pig. They have been deserted by his father who now lives with ‘The Tart’. He suffers a slow degenerative eye disease called 'Retinitis Pigmentosa' which causes him pinpoint tunnel vision and will longer term leave him blind. Milo however sees more than most, even with this issue, his observational skills are exceptional. This is a marvellous read which you will find entertaining, amusing and rather touching.

Milo loves his Gran and when his mother puts her in the old peoples care home ‘Forget Me Not’, he is distraught. He insists he will visit every day and although outwardly the home is portrayed as a wonderful place Milo begins to notice that all is not as it seems or should be. He sets out to get his Gran back home and begins a mission to prove the home is not up to standard. But how can a nine year old boy make anyone listen and is there any proof to his claims?

Virginia Macgregor populates the story with an interesting and diverse range of characters that are believable and memorable in their different ways. Even the pig Hamlet is well drawn and cute. Milo’s story is one of determination and persistence in the face of his circumstances and age. However, when you love someone as much as Milo loves his Gran then anything is possible. There are a number of themes explored in the book, through various characters, that make it a current and a worthwhile thought provoking read. An emotional but ultimately sad story where eventually love prevails and I can happily recommend it.

[Yzabel Ginsberg · Rating 3 out of 5]

[I received a copy through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.]

Here's a novel that can pretty much be read by everyone: although the style and narrative may be a tad bit simple for adults, they also ensure that younger readers could enjoy it as well.

The story focuses on characters from a torn family: not only Milo, but also his mother Sandy, great-grandmother Lou, and a few others, like Tripi, the cook at the nursing home where Lou is sent in the first chapters. Each of these people have their own story to tell, their own little personal tragedies, some seemingly bigger (Tripi not knowing if his sister's still alive in Syria), others more remote though not less important (Lou still mourning the loss of her beloved decades after the war that killed him). In the middle of all this, Milo tries to understand what's happening, tries to look at a world of adults without knowing who and what he can trust, and has to balance his condition with

The issues the novel deals with are both hard and touching, all in black and white (as seen by a child) yet at the same time not as set in stone as one would think. It worked in some parts for me, and not in others, because at times they were just a bit too naive and cliché (the evil nurse, the bad absent dad who left his family for a younger wife, the nursing home that is necessarily going to be a horrible place...): befitting Milo's point of view, less befitting the adult character's. Nevertheless, this echoed the theme of Milo's physical vision: revealing details other people didn't (want to) notice while remaining, well, narrowed down as well. In that, I thought the book did a good job.

Milo's condition was a bit of a let-down, in my opinion, because it didn't play that much of a role. His story, all in all, could've been that of any 9-year old child going through his parents' divorce, seeing his grandma being taken away, failing at school due to all the problems on his mind, and generally not getting the adults around him. I'm not sure what I expected, but I thought it would be more important, and play a bigger part (not only the one in the ending).

I don't think it's an earth-shattering piece of work, and it has a lot of predictable sides, but it's definitely a feel-good one, with a mostly happy ending and everyone's lives neatly tying together. Nobody's left behind, not Al, not the old people at the nursing home, whose first names we don't get to know, not even Milo's dad. I'd recommend this story if one wants to read about hope at the end of the tunnel, in spite of the sad themes, although I wouldn't go with the hype either.

3 to 3.5 stars.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nine year old Milo Moon lives in Slipton with his mum Sandy, his beloved Gran Lou (really his father’s grandmother) and his pet pig Hamlet. Milo is a sensitive, caring boy, but his life is not always easy. Milo’s father has left his mother for another woman and now Sandy is struggling to pay the bills and cope with her feelings of depression. She feels that Milo spends too much time caring for Gran and, when Gran sets fire to the kitchen, Sandy decides she has to put her into a nursing home and chooses Forget Me Not; run by the seemingly efficient Nurse Thornhill. As well as these problems, Milo also suffers from a progressive eye disease - Retinitis Pigmentosa. It means that his vision is reduced to a pinhole and that, eventually, he will lose his sight.

Before long, Milo is concerned that things are not as wonderful as the glossy pictures of Forget Me Not suggest. He just wants Gran home and for everything to be back as it was, and he is determined to do something about it. This is a warm and moving book with a great cast of characters. There is Tripi, the Syrian chef at the care home, who desperately misses his younger sister and worries constantly about his immigration status, the charming residents of Forget Me Not, lodger Al McCloud and the unkind and bitter Nurse Thornhill. Through it all – bullied at school, hampered by his sight and struggling with the loss of his dad – Milo decides to take matters into his own hands and rescue his Gran from the home. In essence though, this is a novel about family and about taking responsibility – both for others and for yourself.

Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review purposes.

[Lιƈíɳια · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma leitura leve, mas profunda nas interações humanas. Uma história comovente e ternurenta entre Milo, um menino de nove anos, e a sua vó Lou. Onde se compreendem os relacionamentos de gerações tão distantes mas tão próximas. Um romance que revela o que o ser humano pode ter de melhor.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I'm in two minds about this book. It reminded me of Wonder (R. J. Palacio) but is marketed (somewhat inexplicably in my opinion) at an adult market. Wonder takes the multiple narrator approach to a boy with physical deformities starting school for the first time. What Milo Saw has Milo Moon at its centre. A nine year old boy with pinhole vision that will eventually disappear altogether.

You would expect this vision to be central to the story. But I don't think it is. There are a few scenes that focus on Milo's sight and his situation, but in reality I thought the main stories could have been written about any nine year old boy and his family. The stories around Milo are featured much more strongly.

The two story arcs to Milo's family feature his mother and his great-grandmother. After an 'accidental' house fire, his great-grandma is soon put into a home, Forget Me Not Homes. Milo's dad has left them all for another woman, and his mother now sole breadwinner. Her own sadness and love life is the second part of the book. Milo observes both and tries his best to help both women.

Milo sees problems in the care home - can he get anyone to believe him and save his beloved great-grandma? And can he help stop his mother comfort-eating?

Each of these three shares the narration and it's a well-told and enjoyable story, with people to root for. To loathe. To admire. I particularly disliked Milo's dad before we met him - he buys a pet pig for the son he's going to leave? Leaves his own grandma with the wife he's about to leave? Really? What a situation to leave them in!

Milo; I tried to suspend my disbelief at his precocious language and understanding, to enjoy the book. His condition is sad and I really didn't feel enough was made of it.

Could easily be read by an audience similar to Wonder's, not just adults. Despite the flaws as I see them, I really liked the book. I just think it could have been better and made more of its unique points.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful novel captured my attention because it brought my memories of how I loved my nan very much. She would sit and crochet me dolls clothes galore, she even took me to a toy shop to buy a Sheena doll.
Another reason that I liked this story is the very heart of this moving tale is about a Nursing home. I used to work in a lovely, friendly care home, until the owner sold it. I used to make time to sit and talk to all the old people in the home.

This very unique story line where nine-year-old Milo Moon has been told he is suffering from Retinitis Pigmentosa where his eyes are slowly failing and that he will eventually go blind.

Milo who loves his gran living at home with them becomes very upset as his mother wants gran to live in a care home. Once gran is put into the award winning Forget Me Not Nursing home, through the eyes of Milo this is not a kind honest Nursing home. Milo has a plan to get his gran out of Forget Me Not and home again by Christmas.

Milo sees things at the Nursing home inviting readers to spin pages after pages. The story is such spectacular stuff it is impossible to resist falling in love young Milo and his gran.

The author Virginia Macgregor has written a spectacular story one that I remember for a long time. I thoroughly enjoyed this plot and I was sorry to finish.
This is a wonderful novel. I really do recommend it.
WHAT MILO SAW is out 31st July 2014.

[Suad Shamma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleased by this book. It was a good read, albeit predictable. I wouldn't call it a page-turner or unputdownable, but I did enjoy it well enough.

This book presents us with a boy, Milo, suffering from a rare eye condition in which he sees the world through tunnel vision that will ultimately lead to complete loss of his eyesight. He has lived with it long enough that he knows how to deal with it and seems pretty capable for a boy his age. He lives with his mother and gran, who has been a mute for many years, and he seems to be the one taking care of his gran for the most part and as such has grown very attached to her.

His gran, knowing it was time for her to live in a nursing home and relieve Milo of this huge responsibility, arranges a fire at their house that everyone assumes was accidental due to her forgetfulness. His mother having had enough of these incidents finally decides to move her to a nursing home, which Milo resents for the duration of the book.

Unfortunately, the nursing home they choose for her ends up being a cold, miserable place, where the elderly live in fear and are not treated well. Only no one seems to notice this except for astute Milo, who sees more than people give him credit for. This begins a series of events in which Milo tries to save his gran from this horrid place and hatches up a plan to do so since none of the adults seem to believe him when he tries to speak to them.

The book introduces a variety of other characters and storylines into the book such as a Syrian refugee who is hired as cook at the nursing home, a police officer, a nurse, and an elderly gentleman who befriends Milo's gran. These storylines all intertwine and we watch how Milo reacts and interacts to the different characters and their problems.

I found the story to be a little odd at times in terms of plot, and perhaps some storylines didn't really add up at the end and may have seemed a bit unnecessary in terms of where the story was heading. I was not a fan of the love story that developed between gran and the elderly man at the nursing home, and didn't think it added much value to the overall story. Yes, it did show us a different side to Milo (such as the fact that he seemed too possessive of his gran) and perhaps taught him a thing or two, but for some reason I did not feel that love story and could not connect with either character. I'm not sure what it was, whether it's the execution, or the storyline itself, but I would've been happier without it.

All in all, a good coming of age book that both young and old would enjoy, one that highlights several important issues of our present day

[gem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very clever and well written novel; it addresses some very important, and sometimes touchy, subjects with sensitivity and humour throughout. I liked how each chapter was told by one of the four main characters, it gave me more of an insight into how each person viewed the events that were unfolding (I wish there had been one chapter in Hamlet's point of view, that would have been hilarious!). It played out much as I expected it to, there were no big shocks or twists, it just moved along with a lovely pace and sense that once Milo had completed his mission there would be an end of sorts, and indeed there was. I think this novel has great crossover potential, much like other child narrated fiction like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and Wonder.
It's not published until 31/07/14 and the only problem I can see is that it is a £14.99 hardback by a début author - it is going to take some serious enthusiasm on the part of booksellers to be able to persuade people to part with that much money for an unknown author unless Little, Brown are planning an epic marketing campaign.
I for one will be giving it a very positive review once we get it in store.
Can't wait to see what issues the author tackles next.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Milo is one of those characters you meet in a story who stays with with you, I've been thinking about him since I finished this book last night. This is a lovely crossover novel suitable for both adults and young adults. I loved the relationships between Milo and his Gran, between Milo and Tripi the Syrian refugee who helps him and I despaired and sympathised with Milo's Mum who is in that hopeless phase that I recognised from part of my life where it all fell to pieces and I basically sat on the couch and ate hobnobs like she does. Every character is perfectly drawn from the teacher at school to the smart arse kids in class and the evil nonsensical nurse running the rest home. A blimmin marvellous book.

[Isa | Mil Histórias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opinião completa em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piXJS...

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obwohl der 9-jährige Milo unter der Sehschwäche Retinitis pigmentosa leidet, die schon bald zu seiner völligen Erblindung führen wird, ist der sensible Junge ein äußerst aufmerksamer Beobachter und registriert Dinge, die anderen Menschen verborgen bleiben. Milo lebt nur mit seiner Mutter und seiner geliebten Urgroßmutter Lou in der englischen Kleinstadt Slipton, denn sein Vater hat die Familie bereits vor einiger Zeit verlassen, um sich im Ausland ein neues Leben aufzubauen. Außerdem kümmert sich Milo herzerwärmend um sein kleines Hausschwein Hamlet, das zu seinem Missfallen in der Garage des Hauses wohnen muss.

Als die Demenzerkrankung seiner „Gran“ Lou immer weiter voranschreitet, beschließt Milos Mutter, die alte Dame im „Vergissmeinnicht“-Altersheim der Stadt unterzubringen. Milo leidet schrecklich unter der Trennung und besucht seine Urgroßmutter täglich, doch schon bald fallen dem Jungen beunruhigende Vorgänge im Heim auf und er vermutet, dass Lou dort nicht gut aufgehoben ist. Die alten Leute werden grob behandelt und der Zustand seiner Gran verschlechtert sich zusehends. Vor allem die dubiose Heimleiterin Schwester Thornhill und der Heimbewohner Petros verhalten sich äußerst seltsam.
Verzweifelt versucht Milo die Erwachsenen auf die Missstände aufmerksam zu machen, doch niemand nimmt ihn ernst und keiner interessiert sich für seine Beobachtungen, denn seine Mutter vermutet, dass sich Milo die Geschichte nur ausdenkt, um seine geliebte Gran wieder nach Hause holen zu können. Und so bleiben Milo nur Tripi der Koch des Altersheims, und sein Hausschwein Hamlet, um die dubiosen Machenschaften gemeinsam aufzudecken.

Die Autorin Virginia Macgregor, präsentiert uns eine sehr schöne und kluge Geschichte über einen kleinen Jungen mit einem ganz besonderen Blick auf die Welt.
Mit seinen 9 Jahren, ist Milo ein äußerst bewundernswerter und kämpferischer kleiner Kerl, dessen Mut und Tapferkeit mich richtig beeindruckt haben. Sein Sinn für Gerechtigkeit wurde von der Autorin ganz besonders hervorgehoben und die einzigartige Verbindung zwischen ihm und seiner Gran Lou war für mich bereits nach den ersten paar Seiten spürbar.
Trotz seiner Sehschwäche akzeptiert Milo sein Schicksal anstandslos und seine Krankheit steht niemals im Vordergrund der Geschichte.

Die zentralen Themen des Buches sind vielmehr die Demenz der Großmutter, die Zustände im Vergissmeinnicht-Heim und die familiären Spannungen.
Zusätzlich schneidet die Autorin auch noch andere bedeutsame Themen an, wie etwa den Umgang mit alten Menschen, Machtmissbrauch und illegale Einwanderung, doch die Seitenanzahl des Buches lässt es kaum zu, all diese Themen tiefergehender zu behandeln.
Von all den verschiedenen Schwerpunkten, die das Buch aufgreift, fand ich es besonders spannend, die Aufklärrung der tristen Vorgänge im Altersheim mitzuverfolgen und ich konnte während dem Lesen so richtig mit Milo mitfiebern. Allerdings wurden die Intrigen im Vergissmeinnicht-Heim für meinen Geschmack stellenweise etwas zu unglaubwürdig dargestellt.

Besonders gelungen fand ich die Unterteilung der Geschichte in unterschiedliche Kapitel, die sich jeweils auf einen der vier Hauptprotagonisten fokussieren: Milo, seine Mutter, Lou und Tripi, wobei der mutige Junge glücklicherweise den größten Anteil der Geschichte einnimmt.
Ich kann dieses liebenswerte Buch sehr empfehlen und bin mir fast sicher, dass jeder Leser den kleinen Helden Milo in sein Herz schließen wird.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Macgregor has written a lovely, quirky heart-warming story with current thought provoking storylines. The characters are wonderful, particularly Milo, his grandma and his friend Tripi. I loved the way it showed us a childs view of how society deals with our older people and how horrendously those in positions of trust can let their charges down. Milo was instantly loveable, and I was rooting for him and his mission from the word go. A fabulous read which left me wanting a sequel to follow Tripi's future - 5 stars from me.

Many Thanks to NetGalley and The Little Brown Book Group for the chance to read and review this charming book.

[Inês · Rating 3 out of 5]

What Milo Saw by Virginia Mcgregor

3.5 stars

This was such a lovely and moving book! And, though I was able to sort of figure out where the story was going, it was, nonetheless, an enjoyable read, that kept me entertained, and it still managed to have some surprising features.

"Milo curled his thumb and forefinger together to make a small hole and held his fingers up to Al’s eyes. 'Look through here. That’s what I see. Kind of, only worse.'
'Wow, that must be amazing.'
Milo shrugged. 'Not really.'
'I mean, it makes you focus, doesn’t it? I bet you see all kinds of stuff that other people miss.'"

Nine-year-old Milo has retinitis pigmentosa: his eyes are slowly failing and he will eventually go blind. But for now he sees the world through a pin hole and notices things other people don't. When Milo's beloved ninety-two-year-old great grandmother (who he calls Gran) succumbs to dementia and moves into a nursing home, Milo soon realises there's something wrong at the home. The grown-ups won’t listen when he tries to tell them, so with some friends to help, Milo sets out on a mission to expose the nursing home.

One of the main focus of this book is the nursing home and its residents, as well as Milo's relationship with his Gran, Lou.
It tackles what I like to believe only happens with some nursing homes, because it's needed to keep in mind that, sometimes, they're the only and best opinion. That being said, I do think, even with what was happening, the writing was respectfully, and, for that reason, I did really like that each resident of the nursing home had their own individual personality.
As someone whose grandmothers are older than others I know, and with whom I don't have a really close and affectionate relationship, it was extremely charming to read about Milo and his Gran's one. So sweet and pure, Milo has this sort of extreme need to take care of her, that is absolutely incredible to read about.

I felt like there was respect in the way Milo's disability was written and addressed throughout the story. He was aware of his struggles and we (readers) were exposed to such, but it never stopped him from living and doing whatever he wanted to do.

However, I don't know to what extent Milo was a believable nine-year-old boy. Maybe, I no longer remember nor know how kids behave. He seemed too expeditious to a child, especially with his eye problem, because he always walked from one place to the other alone, without adult supervision. Also, his perseverance and the extreme need to take care of his Gran seemed, to me, too much. I mean, it shouldn't be his job. He's just a kid, he should play and be with people of his age, which was something we didn't get to see.

"'I’m not a kid, you know,' said Milo, standing up.
'Of course not. That’s why you’re going to do the adult thing and go home – you are going to go the extra mile.'
'The extra mile?'
'Make an effort.'"

My favorite aspect of this book, and the one that surprised me the most, was the character of Tripi, a Syrian refugee who is looking for his sister who got lost when they were escaping their country. It was so interesting to read about, and it’s a strong feature that definitely adds a new layer and dimension to the book and the story.
There's also Sandy, Milo's mother, which brings some more adult life issues, like financial struggles or the spilt of the family.

The book is all written in third person, but, throughout it, we get the perspectives of Milo, Lou, Tripi and Sandy. These multiple points of view help us understand the story of all the characters and their view on what's happening. If it only had Milo's perspective, it wouldn't have the depth that the adults' ones bring. They're the various sides of the story. A character leads us to believe that an event happened a certain way, but with the different perspectives we get the full picture. Thus contributes to the multidimensionality of the intervening characters.

The ending is satisfying; everything is all nicely wrapped up and all the characters get what you wished for them and expected . Recently, I've actually been growing to really enjoy this sort of writing formula for the ending where we get to see sort of the characters’ future. It conveys that feeling of remaning with them, even after the story itself is over, because we continue to know about their lives.

"As Milo shifted his head and focused in on the images through the small 'O' of his vision, he felt kind of lucky that he didn’t have to see it all. At least he only got a bit of the grey sky and the grey pavements and the grey leafless trees. People who saw everything at once must feel drowned by the world. All Milo had to do was to move his head and focus on something else and pretend the bad bits weren’t there."

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on This Chick Reads

*Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

'What Milo Saw' by Virginia Macgregor is a great debut and unlike any of the books I've ever read. From the minute I read the blurb and Milo's sad story, I fell in love with his little guy, who sees world differently to people with normal eye function. In many ways he's a special boy, but despite suffering from retinitis pigmentosa he didn't act as a victim.

Imagine looking at the world through a pinhole. The pinhole's getting smaller at night and when it rains, and one day it would close up altogether and you'd go completely blind. That's what 9 year old Milo is facing every day. But Milo is one very brave kid, who's leading a somewhat normal life while being completely aware of his illness and limitations.

I honestly thought the plot would be centered on his illness and despite still being a sad story, it also tries to tell us that we shouldn't always focus on the problems and grieving, but try to make the most of life and play the cards we were given. It's when his grandma is moved to a care home that Milo experiences sadness for the first time. It's hit him so hard, maybe even harder than when his dad left them and he tries to do everything in his powers to bring gran home. She's the one who's helped him embrace his 'problem' and the one who's taught him how to make the most of his eye sight. They have a very special bond and some of his visits to granma's care house 'Forget me Not' brought tears to my eyes.

In many ways Milo is a special boy, and 'What Milo Saw' is a special book. It's definitely unlike any of the books I've read previously. While the protagonist is a 9 year old, I don't think this book falls just in the YA genre. Of course, there's a possibility most people will classify it as YA, however I can see it equally appealing for both the younger and more adult audience. Told from different point of views and telling Milo's, Lou's and Tripi's story in chapters which are the perfect length, 'What Milo Saw' is definitely an enjoyable read and one that will stay with me for a long time. My only complaint would be the pacing, which kind of slowed down in the second half of the book, but nevertheless I still enjoyed it and kept on turning the pages.

It's also thought provoking and made me question so many things, what would I see if I looked through Milo's eyes? Is Milo's bad sight a symbol telling us we need to see the tree first then the forest? Are people sometimes so immersed in life and their problems trying to see the big picture, they miss out on small every day joys? Why does Milo have a pig as a pet? Is it maybe a symbol for retinitis pigmentosa (PIG-mentosa)? I'm telling you, this book made me think a lot.

At times poignant, at times uplifting but enjoyable all the way 'What Milo Saw' is definitely one of the best debuts I've ever read. I honestly can't wait to read more of Ms Macgregor's works, she's amazingly talented, has a knack for creating a clever plot and delivers. Safe to say I have HUGE expectations for her next novels and think she's definitely an author to watch out for.

[Ella Zegarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publicado originalmente: El Extraño Gato del Cuento

Qué cosa más adorable es este libro. Para mí fue uno de esos libros en el cual a los poco párrafos de empezar a leer ya sabía tenía muy probablemente mi libro favorito, de esos que te da miedo acabarlo por miedo a que te decepcione. La narración hecha por niños es algo que muy recientemente estoy experimentando y hasta ahora han sido en su mayoría muy buenas experiencias.

Algo que he notado en algunos escritores europeos es que es son más diversos, en cuanto a personajes, lugares y cultura. Sé que tiene que ver el que no sean norteamericanos pero cuando ellos me dan personajes de diferentes países, ya sean árabes, pakistaníes, libios o griegos, se me hacen naturales, extremadamente ricos de leer. What Milo Saw no fue la excepción, eso sin contar la ternura, y a veces un poco de tristeza, que es leer sobre los pacientes del asilo.

Milo es un niño maravilloso, se me hizo casi imposible no encariñarme con él o su cerdito Hamlet. Es difícil encontrar un libro sobre discapacidad, son muy pocos, y que tengan la calidad de este libro, mucho más difícil aún.

Le puse cuatro de cinco porque soy un adulto sin corazón ni alma. El final me gustó mucho en cuanto como le fue a algunos de los personajes porque en lo que leí el libro, para mí fue obvio que ellos son mucho mejores personajes que yo y si hubiera acabado de otra forma los personajes y la historia no hubieran sido lo que fueran. Es de esos finales que te dejan un poco con la duda, un tanto... no sé como ponerlo.

Hay una historia muy cortita rondando por ahí, se lllama "Where Hamlet Went", la historia es contada por el cerdito Hamlet y es una preciosura de historia corta. Si la escritora decidiera escribir libro para niños, tenía una lectora asegurada. De verdad es muy linda, pero solo pueden leer si leen What Milo Saw primero.

Sin duda una mis mejores lectura del año.

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[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely, sweet, well observed story. Comparisons will be drawn with the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, in that it is a young boy with a disability who seeks to uncover a wrong doing.

The story is told mostly from Milo's point of view with interludes from his mum Sandy, Gran Lou and Tripi a homeless refugee that Milo befriends.

Milo's beloved Gran has to live in a care home because at 9 years old and being only partially sighted he can't look after her anymore. I absolutely loved the relationship between Milo and Lou. It was just how a grandma/grandson relationship should be. He dotes on her, she dotes on him. It was a very special bond.

I have had the unfortunate experience of a number of care homes and sadly the events described by Virginia MacGregor are all too common place. The crap food. The lack of tolerance. The medication to make them sleep. The stealing and bruises too.

I don't have any experience of teacup pigs, but I think I would rather like one.

Milo, bless him with his degenerative eye condition, is an observer. A caring soul who is old beyond his years with a heart of pure gold.

What Milo Saw is well written with a good pace and a story that flows perfectly. All the threads are neatly tied up at the end - more or less!

It's a book that would be perfectly suitable to older children wanting to get out of standard children's book fodder into something a little more grown up.

I received an ARC for an honest review.

[Beth_Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Macgregor has created a cast of memorable and loveable characters. From 9 year old Milo, the little boy with Retinitis Pigmentosa, who sees things other people miss through his reduced visual field; to Tripi, a Syrian refugee searching for his lost sister and a better safer life; to Nurse Thornbill, a greedy and unsympathetic woman; to Petros, a man with a secret; to Mr Overland, the whistling neighbour who stares out his window all day and night; and others who make up this heart warming, touching tale.

A commentary of how dismissive we can be as a society, particularly of the young and the elderly. How selfish we can be. But also how all it takes is for someone to lovingly open our eyes to seeing what is really there and what isn't. What Milo Saw will make you laugh and sigh. Sorrowful and hopeful in equal measures this is a truly beautiful story of family, love and the details that hide nestled amongst the bigger picture.

[Tracy Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What Milo Saw is a sweet and heart-warming story with some wonderful characters.  There is 9 year old Milo, 92 year old Lou (Milo's Gran), 27 year old Sandy (Milo's mum) and 24 year old Tripi (a Syrian refugee).

Milo is the 9 year old "hero" of the book.  Suffering from a progressive eye condition which means he can only see the world through a pinhole, nothing stops this plucky, optimistic little fellow who is determined to find out what is happening when his beloved Gran is moved into a care home as his mother Sandy is struggling to cope with her at home.

With some really funny moments, this thought-provoking and moving story will warm your heart and leave you with a smile on your face (and may even make you want to buy your very own tea-cup pet pig).

[Sally Boocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have read Wonder you will enjoy this book. It's a lovely story about a young boy with limited vision who looks after his Gran. It tells what he does when the home she has to go to he discovers is not what it's cracked up to be. Oh he also has a pig called Hamlet who is very much part of the story. A wonderful story of all the different kinds of love to be experienced.All children should read this book.It gives insight into a child's view of an adult world.

[Paperback Mo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really easy to read and get into.
Mentioned in my Middle Grade/YA recommendation video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nHau...
I thought the way the author wrote the the ending was really good.
His vision isn't actually central to the story, its more about the interactions and relationships with the people in his life.
3.5 out of 5 stars.

[Molly Gillham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am halfway through this book, and I am loving it! I think it's very important that retinitis pigmentosa is more well understood and this book does just that. The fact that the story is told by four of the main characters is good so you can see everyone's point of view.

[Beckie Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING! If you liked "Wonder" you will love this too.

[Teolinda Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Milos pappa har lämnat honom och hans mamma för en annan kvinna.
så nu bor de istället ihop med pappas farmor och minigrisen Hamlet tills den dag farmor Lou nästan bränner ner köket och hamnar på servicehem.
Milo vill att farmor ska komma hem igen och det tar inte lång tid innan han uppfattar att allt inte står rätt till på hennes nya boende.
Mycket av boken handlar om Milos ögonsjukdom som med tiden kommer att göra honom blind.
Detta gör att han koncentrerar sig mer på detaljer i sitt synfält än vad andra normalseende personer i hans omgivning gör.
Det är också en fin vänskap mellan Milo, farmor och den lilla grisen vi får läsa om.
Ingen direkt spänning men en väl berättad historia om vänskap och utanförskap.

Betyg: 4 salami av 5

[Daphne Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Wat Milo zag’ is een super lief en aandoenlijk verhaal. Het verhaal wordt voornamelijk verteld vanuit het perspectief van Milo maar wisselt af en toe naar het perspectief van Lou, Tripi en Sandy. Het boek is geen werelds en meeslepend verhaal maar wel heel leuk en lief om te lezen. Bij het einde moest ik wel even slikken omdat ik dat stuk toch wel heel zielig vond.

[Tayfun · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es ist cute die Welt aus den Augen eines kleinen Jungen zu betrachten. Wie er Probleme garnicht als Probleme wahrnimmt und falls doch, diese mit einer irrsinnigen Leichtigkeit zu bewältigen scheint :)
Ich finde die Story hat sich in die Länge gezogen und hätte schon deutlich früher zum Punkt kommen können. Trippi ist cool, sei wie Trippi.