Willy did WHAT? (From Victim to Soldier Book 1)

The author of the original book wasn't happy with the film. From Screen Rant ,. The solution is to make the Oompa-Loompas white and to make the film under a different title. Though the book is called Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the movie is named after Willy Wonka. There are two reasons for this: The second reason for shifting the main character focus was because the movie was financed by Quaker Oats, who were looking at it as a way of advertising a new line of chocolate bars that they were about to produce.

Eventually, they settled on calling the new bar the Wonka Bar, and with that they chose to rename the entire movie after Willy Wonka as a promotional tie-in. Because really, what better way is there to sell candy bars than with the suggestion of light cannibalism? From the Dutch wikipedia about that movie:. De titel van het verhaal werd echter aangepast naar Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory om beter aan te sluiten bij het snoepgoed dat in de film gepromoot zou worden, en omdat in de Verenigde Staten die toen betrokken waren bij de Vietnamoorlog Charlie een spottende bijnaam was voor de Viet Cong.

The title of the story was adapted to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory to better connect to the candy promoted during the movie and because in the United States who were involved in the Vietnam war at the time Charlie was a derogatory nickname for the Viet Cong. Screen Rant suggests there are 4 reasons that have floated around over the years:. Another theory is yet another racial implication: The other theory is less culturally sensitive and more corporate: All four reasons are also mentioned in this article.

Yes, Roald Dahl was disappointed about the movie, and the focus placed on Willy Wonka instead of Charlie's development 1. But none of the sources I found suggests that the change of title was made as a premeditated hint to any supposed deviation from novel to film. How can a story about good people in difficult, even dire circumstances, be the slightest bit uplifting?

You can see how easy it would be for them to sit down and admit defeat. And yet, while I may have felt pity for them several times, at no time did I believe that they had any for themselves. Willy Vlautin will be added to my list of favorites, among those I that consider writing magicians. His passages are brimming with persuasive dialogue — in fact, some chapters are comprised almost entirely of it.

Think Kent Haruf but with quotation marks. What you will find are compelling, innately good characters with beautiful souls, all on the path to their own form of freedom. One day at a time.

The Wrong Boy

View all 16 comments. Jul 30, Patrick rated it really liked it Shelves: Three poignant stories of working class Americans struggling against the backdrop of The Iraqi War and economic stagnation. The characters are sympathetically drawn with attributes of dignity and decency.

Vlautin reminds me of Steinbeck. Mar 07, Carol rated it really liked it Shelves: Read The Free on recommendation of several friends.

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I thoroughly enjoyed Vlautin's construction of story and the weaving of said with his three beautifully rendered characters. It's amazing how an author can portray such hard luck cases and still leave the reader with hope and joy. Character, Iraq war veteran, Leroy Kervin, and his journey is magnificent. View all 4 comments. Jan 01, Kathrina rated it really liked it Shelves: I might make this a five star -- this might be perfect writing, or it could be just very good, carrying a second punch of empathy that knocks the wind right out of me.

We follow three interrelated characters, all struggling, all damaged, but with such dazzling moral character that the reader sits in awe of the richness of their hearts. We're forced to unpack a definition of "free" from our conceptions of "prosperous", "happy", "satisfied", "patriotic", and any relations to our American idealism I might make this a five star -- this might be perfect writing, or it could be just very good, carrying a second punch of empathy that knocks the wind right out of me.

We're forced to unpack a definition of "free" from our conceptions of "prosperous", "happy", "satisfied", "patriotic", and any relations to our American idealism that relates to God and Country. Most of what we know of each character comes from overhearing their dialogue and observing their day-to-day motions, and how Vlautin has packed each gesture with so much truth I'll never know. I hadn't read Valutin's work before, and was completely unprepared for such an experience.

I've got half a dozen people to recommend this to I adore Vlautin's writing and it always cracks my heart just a little; I end up thinking about his characters for days. More thorough review coming soon. Jan 31, Mandy rated it it was amazing. The book follows three main protagonists, whose lives intersect as they struggle to find the courage, decency and strength to combat the raw deal life has thrown at them.

It opens with Leroy Kervin, a wounded young Iraq war veteran waking to momentary clarity in the group home in which he has been living for some years. Realising that this moment of clarity may not last, and full of despair when he contemplates his future, he attempts suicide.

Discovered by the night-time guardian Freddie McCall he is rushed to hospital where he is nursed by Pauline Hawkins. All three of them are trapped in difficult and seemingly hopeless circumstances largely beyond their control, and have to cope with the problems that beset modern day America — the aftermath of wars, poverty, expensive medical care, drugs and unemployment. This is a powerful and disturbing book, but its grim storyline is infused with tenderness and empathy for ordinary people doing their best, unsentimental but always gentle and ultimately uplifting.

Feb 05, Cheri rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: He said it was lonely enough being a fridge, that the least you could do was leave beer so it would have something to look at and admire all day. Oct 22, Bonnie Brody rated it it was amazing. The Free, by Willy Vlautin, is a beautiful and disturbing novel about three good people smacked down by life.

They are each trying to survive in their own way despite horrific odds. He was hit by and IED and is suffering extreme traumatic brain injury. He lives in a group home and his mind is clouded and he can't perform his activities of daily living. One day, inexplicably, his mind clears an The Free, by Willy Vlautin, is a beautiful and disturbing novel about three good people smacked down by life. One day, inexplicably, his mind clears and he feels for the first time since his injury, like his old self. Fearful that this new state won't last, he attempts suicide by throwing himself down a flight of stairs and onto a wooden stake which pierces his chest.

He survives the injury, just barely, and is hospitalized. While intubated and restrained, he retreats deeply into his mind where he manufactures a science fiction life which, to some extent, mirrors what is happening to him in real life. For instance, the protagonist of Leroy's inner world often has chest pain and trouble breathing.

Like Leroy, he is fighting a barbaric war that is difficult to make sense of. Freddie McCall, who works the night shift in the group home, is the one who finds Leroy after his suicide attempt. Freddie is a truly decent and good man who, in every sense, is at odds with circumstance.

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He works two full-time jobs, barely eats or sleeps, and is in debt over his head. He has two daughters who live with his ex-wife in another state. One of his daughters has serious health problems and has incurred extremely high medical bills, creating the need for Freddie to twice morgage the home he once owned free and clear.

Freddie is the epitome of goodness, often visiting Leroy in the hospital and showing kindness to everyone he comes in contact with. Pauline is a nurse in the hospital and she cares for Leroy. She has walled herself in to spare feeling too much for her patients. However, her wall is broken when Jo, a young runaway, is hospitalized with leg abscesses secondary to heroin injections. Pauline reaches out to Jo in a way that is new and different for her. Alone and voiceless and unwanted and worthless. She is a Portuguese Fada singer. Fada is a type of passionate music usually sung in a minor key and reminds me of Eastern European folk songs and music by Edith Piaf.

The novel does a fine job of intertwining the lives of all three protagonists and painting a picture of these damaged souls who are trying to thrive when it's often impossible to even survive. Each of them has a thin web of hope that permits them to hang on. For Leroy, it's his inner life and his memories of his girlfriend Jeanette.

For Freddie, it's the hope of being reunited with his daughters in the future and his strong moral center. Pauline connects with Jo and realizes that sometimes one doesn't get to stand solely by oneself. Walls are built to climb over or shatter. One could look at this novel as an operatic creation with its pathos and character-driven plot.

I highly recommend this book. Feb 06, Andy Weston rated it it was amazing. This is a novel about freedom. Not hard to guess that from the title, but The Free is actually a symbolic ship in a sub story within the plot. The story is of a group of characters all seeking freedom or escape for one reason or another. Pauline, the nurse on night duty with her ward of drug affected and terminally ill patients. Leroy, injured physically and mentally in Iraq, has just attempted suicide.

Freddie, a divorced father living without his children, working two jobs and owing large amou This is a novel about freedom. Freddie, a divorced father living without his children, working two jobs and owing large amounts of money but surviving on scraps. It offers hope to its small cast of characters. Like his other two books, its brilliance lies in it giving the reader a short insight into the lives of some pretty rough characters.

He conjures a real feeling of life at the lower end of society. It's an appropriate time in the world at the moment also to consider freedom and what it means. Vlautin asks exactly that question. Having just very much enjoyed the movie Captain Fantastic, which deals with a similar theme, it is appropriate to finish, as the movie does, with a line from a musician who very much influences Vlautin, "How good, how good does it feel to be free?

And I answer them most mysteriously- Are the birds free from the chains on the skyways? Jul 14, Nina rated it really liked it Shelves: This is depressing as fuck.

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But it's so heartbreakingly humane and matter-of-fact and hopeful in the face of tragedy that it leaves you feeling unsettlingly lighthearted, if more than a little sad. Vlautin's writing is sharp and uncomplicated, portraying scenes and actions in a way that is almost mechanical and with no time wasted on descriptions of feelings, but those scenes and actions are so steeped in significance that it all comes across more clearly than if every emotion were made explicit a This is depressing as fuck.

Vlautin's writing is sharp and uncomplicated, portraying scenes and actions in a way that is almost mechanical and with no time wasted on descriptions of feelings, but those scenes and actions are so steeped in significance that it all comes across more clearly than if every emotion were made explicit and analysed to death. It's the farthest possible thing from the writing styles I usually like, but it works incredibly well with the story the author is telling.

And it's a damn good story, carried by characters who are real and strong and full of longing and raw beauty, and it'll take a while for it to start fading from my memory. Oct 15, Hosho rated it it was amazing. The 3rd of Vlautin's books I've read, and once again he nails it. It's a simple book, with real, human stories The world needs more books like this; American fiction needs a helluva lot more books like this -- books filled with real people, and real problems, and real kindness, and real grit and mettle and heart and soul.

It's political without preaching, and deeply concerned with right and wrong without slipping into sloppy moralism. I'll get the book I haven't read, and I'll get Vlautin's next books too -- he just gets the novel right. This book made me so angry! It brought up so many issues happening in the US today. Poverty, and the collapse of the middle class, the cost of health care, and the inevitable decline into bankruptcy that is one catastrophe or illness away even when you have health insurance!

The need for Mental Health care, the enormous sacrifice of veterans and their families, racism, illegal immigration, and so much more. The three main characters heroes in this book are what makes all of the above somewhat This book made me so angry! The three main characters heroes in this book are what makes all of the above somewhat tolerable People who still have hope. Excellent read, highly recommended Jun 08, Andrea rated it it was amazing. I like Willy Vlautin so much I would read anything he wrote.

The ending was a little abrupt but I still loved the book. Jan 25, Heather rated it really liked it. In The Free , Vlautin tackles issues that average Americans are dealing with on a daily basis: Vlautin In The Free , Vlautin tackles issues that average Americans are dealing with on a daily basis: Vlautin is so good at writing about these issues without making them feel exceptional or fantastic.

Leroy, Freddie, and Pauline are all just regular people going through things that lots of regular people in this country go through every day. I will cling to [this person] or [this idea], and it or they will get me through. I can do this. So while The Free could have been a wholly dramatic, depressing experience, Vlautin kept it realistic by showing that small drops of hope here and there can still be found in a sea of despair, and can be used to survive some of the worst circumstances.

I am a little upset that one of the most important to me parts of the story is left unresolved, but other than that, The Free is a very good book. I had a hard time putting it down and I read it in about a day. And Vlautin gives Hope a chance to win out over Despair, which is something I always like to see. I would recommend The Free to readers who enjoy good literary fiction about realistic characters living realistic lives.

Click to read my full review. Nov 27, Alena rated it really liked it. In this heartbreaking novel, Willy Vlautin offers up the delicate balance of beauty and sadness. The three main characters are not exactly intertwined, more like tangentially connected in the way all lives touch upon similar struggles and experiences. Leroy, Freddie and Pauline are all struggling to stay afloat, to break free to overcome their demons — emotional, spiritual and physical. Vlautin does a wonderful job of presenting their circumstances and strengths even in light of their challenges.

You just have to get up each morning and try to get there. I appreciated how the author let me come to know Freddie and Pauline slowly and honestly. His opening scenes are dramatic and terrifically compelling. Then, most of his story is told as a semi sci-fi story taking place in his fractured mind. While I admire the writing skills in this approach, it severed some of the emotional connection for me. Overall, I loved how much I came to care about these characters and their journeys. I rooted for them and cried for them. I felt how easily our lives can slip beyond our grasp.

I practically clapped at the ending, which trusts readers to form their own conclusions. This is another amazing novel from one of my favourite authors. Vlautin has been lauded as a modern Steinbeck, and in The Free he more than meets the hype such a tag in his portrayal of three small town underdogs-Leroy Kervin, a National Guardsman in a care home after suffering a brain injury following an insurgent attack in Iraq, Freddie McCall, working two jobs and in a spiral of uncontrollable debt as a result of medical bills accrued due to insurance not covering medical procedures on his in This is another amazing novel from one of my favourite authors.

Vlautin has been lauded as a modern Steinbeck, and in The Free he more than meets the hype such a tag in his portrayal of three small town underdogs-Leroy Kervin, a National Guardsman in a care home after suffering a brain injury following an insurgent attack in Iraq, Freddie McCall, working two jobs and in a spiral of uncontrollable debt as a result of medical bills accrued due to insurance not covering medical procedures on his infant daughter's legs and Pauline Hawkins, a kindly nurse, a fiercely independent but caring person, both for her mentally ill father and her patients.

Through the novel, whose strands intertwine periodically but are essentially separate, Vlautin details the struggles he sees as being faced by many blue collar workers in small town USA. The premise sounds bleak, but the overwhelming feeling for the main characters is one of deep admiration and empathy, as they take whatever is thrown at them on the chin without complaint. The social commentary on the failings of society for some of its members is strong, but is conveyed not by bold political pronouncement, but by the beautifully simplistic writing as Vlautin paints a vivid picture of life on the margins.

There are no answers or indeed happy endings, but instead a desire to find out more about the characters at the end of the book, as they continue their lives with a new set of circumstances. Like all of Vlautin's novels, this book will remain with me for a very long time. And like any review for any Vlautin novel, I'll finish with 3 words-a must read!

Oct 14, Terry Knoy rated it it was amazing. I love reading Willy's books. He writes about people many of us can identify with. Those with goodness in their hearts despite all the struggles so many of us face. A reminder that life is not easy, but it is Wonderful! Sep 19, Lynn rated it it was amazing. Loving and caring for others even in hopeless situations is a beautiful thing to see. Utterly heart wrenching, hilarious and thought provoking on who really is to blame for Raymonds screwed up life. Loved the twist in the final paragraph!

Cannot recommend this highly enough! View all 4 comments. Feb 21, Gina P rated it it was amazing. Written in the voice of an adolescent boy's diary which he addresses to his hero Morrissey , this book is a heartwarming and sad tale of misfit youth, with moments of pure hilarity.

Aug 07, Anna rated it really liked it Shelves: Jan 05, Schmacko rated it really liked it. This is his first novel, an amiable and funny if not totally brilliant foray into fiction. Almost all of his entries into his diary are also letters to Morrissey, the lead singer of The Smiths.

This is funny; Morrissey is known for his moping lyrics and sardonic humor. Robert Marks has a colorful history. His mom kicked out his sweet dreamer father when the boy was too young to remember. That starts a life of depression, misaligned fantasy, musical obsession, madness, delinquency, shoplifting and general social maladjustment. He tends to label others the same way he was labeled. He has a chance to mention diagnosing and overmedicating what essentially is adolescence.

Russell could also say something of someone who learns sympathy even when he is shown none, but Russell missed that opportunity also. In fact, though Robert Marks changes, his changes are small and a little hard to buy as permanent. Still, the book has some very funny bits.

Russell has a great ear for dialogue and character, and he has a love of wit; this dark, depressed boy is a good and diverting read. Jan 15, JK rated it it was amazing.

The Free by Willy Vlautin

I remember thinking I'd never read a book so grown-up, yet so funny, in all my time. Picking this up again has brought rushes of nostalgia, and a realisation that maybe, just maybe, your ability to appreciate a really good book is something that can't be learned. The novel is comprised of letters written by Raymond to his hero, Morrissey. The letters detail his life so far, in a completely disjointed yet perfectly I first read The Wrong Boy when I was in my early teens, and I remember loving it.

The letters detail his life so far, in a completely disjointed yet perfectly flowing narrative. Raymond's utter honesty, and his feelings surrounding the unfortunate circumstances of his life, are so heart-rending that the reader is drawn to him immediately. I'm sure in my younger days I could see myself being his friend; now, I just wanted to be his protector. Recounting the quandaries he's found himself in since the mere age of eleven, Raymond weaves a witty, open, and hilarious tale whilst still impressing the seriousness of themes such as mental health, family disputes, and remaining true to yourself.

His words encapsulate his manic life incredibly well, as he describes everything with an entirely unique view, making us laugh hysterically along the way. Russell's intricate descriptions of Raymond create a difficulty in understanding that our protagonist isn't a real person, and he didn't write this book. I think that's one of the most heartbreaking things about coming to the end of the novel; turning to the back cover page, seeing Russell's author picture, and realising Raymond is only a figment of the imagination.

This is a mirror of some of things Raymond experienced throughout the pages, so Russell really has done a wonderful thing here. Although Raymond's characterisation was complex in its own right, each and every other character were given exactly the right amount of depth. Raymond wasn't shy in plastering his opinions of others across the pages of his notebook, and this worked wonders to help us understand their personalities, motives, and prejudices. Special mentions go to Gran, who was so amazingly unlike a standard old person, and a true beam of light amongst a cast of awful players, and Twinky and Norman who were the type of real best friends everyone needs - ones who support and encourage you, but who aren't perfect, and depend on the same treatment from you.

It's difficult to describe exactly how and why this story is so wonderful, but it truly is something remarkable, and I don't feel this review does the story justice. I'm glad I decided to pick this up again after something like twelve years, and I know already it's a novel I'll come to back to many more times in life.

Mar 29, Fran rated it it was amazing Shelves: Embarcar nessa "The boy with the thorn in his side Behind the hatred there lies A murderous desire for love How can they look into my eyes And still they don't believe me? Auf dem Weg zu seinem ersten Arbeitsplatz schreibt er an Morrissey, zitiert Oscar Wilde und berichtet von seiner bisherigen Jugend. Ich wollte mich freuen! Nov 01, Mark Speed rated it really liked it Shelves: I believe I'm right in saying that this was the author's first novel.

He was an acclaimed dramatist by this stage of his career, so it must have been quite a risky thing to have done. The novel is narrated in the form of letters to the year-old protagonist's hero: Far from being an unreliable narrator, he proves to be embarrassingly honest. We discover more and more dreadful, cringe-worthy facts about his background, and explain why he's run away.

It's over-long, which is I believe I'm right in saying that this was the author's first novel. It's over-long, which is a bit of a surprise given that the writer had spent his entire career within the bounds of scripts limited to a couple of hours' duration. Maybe he found the novel format liberating? I think I'm also right in saying that this is his only novel so far - I doubt the time he invested earned his usual returns. Oct 26, Jennifer Bagazin rated it it was ok. But yet, I didn't enjoy the book as much as I expected. I dont know what happened, but I figured the setting was in the s because the main character mentioned names like Morrissey and the Smiths and yes I watch the Carrie Diaries so I know what I'm talking about.

It just wasn't appealing to me.

Although why I bought the book in the first place is beyond me. This is just utterly disappointing. Maybe someday I'd get to pick up this book again and read it for real. But for now, I think I'll pass. And damn look at all those positive reviews. I promise I'll get back to this book soon and find out what the fuss is all about. May 27, Julie rated it it was amazing.

I warn you , dont read thid book in a crowded place. You may seem a little insane breaking out into uncontrolled laughter. In fact I giggled so much my husband , who only reads non-fiction, made an exception to see what all the fuss was about. Now one of his favourite books too. The story of a socially inept teenager obsessed with Morrissey who has more than his fair share of bad luck. Unfortunate coincidence and some dodgy relatives result in Raymond's life and mental state changing for the wors I warn you , dont read thid book in a crowded place.

Unfortunate coincidence and some dodgy relatives result in Raymond's life and mental state changing for the worse. It's an emotional rollercoaster that really pulls you in. Mar 23, Emma rated it it was amazing. This is about a boy who always seems he's in the wrong, but the great thing about his character is that you're constantly questioning if he truely is the wrong boy?

Me and my mom liked this book and argued endlessly about him, Willy russel is a great writer and creates characters the reader can empathise with. Apr 11, linda rated it really liked it. They say misery loves company and I'll accompany this character anywhere. Russell wrote Shirley Valentine and he has written the Wrong Boy with the same pathos, wit and humour. Oct 01, Thegurkenkaiser rated it it was amazing.

Kann man um einen depressiven jungen Smiths-Fan einen gaqnzen Roman schreiben? Ja man kann und einen sehr guten noch dazu! Ich werde es definitiv nochmal lesen in Zukunft. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Oct 16, Tim rated it it was amazing. Quite simply the best novel I have ever read.

Der Roman von Willy Russell ist von besonderer Art. Wenn mich jemand fragt, wie mir die Geschichte gefallen hat, fallen mir Attribute ein wie: Das Buch war ein Cover- und Titel-Kauf. Das Coverbild fand ich vielversprechend, es sah nach einer Jugendgeschichte aus, nach Erwachsenwerden, nicht zu abstrakt. Dass Raymond in seinen Briefen sein Idol wieder und wieder mit Namen anspricht teilweise mehrmals pro Satz , war nervig. Dann kamen noch Songs hinzu — und ich gestehe: Ich bin vollkommen unmusikalisch.

Und nachdem ich der Geschichte eine zweite Chance gegeben hatte, wurde sie besser. Mehr noch, ich konnte sie kaum mehr beiseite legen und las abends im Schein meiner Nachttischlampe gegen die Zeit an. Aug 31, Katherine Sunderland rated it really liked it. This is not a quick read - it's just over pages and the text is dense.

The protagonist, Raymond Marks, has a lot to say for himself and we are quickly enveloped in his life, his routine, his family and his observations and thoughts. Raymond is writing letters to Morrissey, on his journey to Grimsby via the service stations and motorway cafes as he hitches his way towards a labouring job.

He's "dead depressed and down" and hopes that Morrissey will be an appropriate listener or confidante for This is not a quick read - it's just over pages and the text is dense. He's "dead depressed and down" and hopes that Morrissey will be an appropriate listener or confidante for his thoughts. And there are a lot of thoughts!