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Billy the Kid
- Narrated by: Richard Attenborough
- Length: 1 hr and 25 mins
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Billy the Kid
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Summary
Read by the inimitable Richard Attenborough. Billy was a champion soccer star, playing for Chelsea in the 1930s. But that was before war broke out…
Billy the Kid is told through the voice of an 80 year old man, who looks back on his life as Chelsea’s champion striker until the outbreak of war in 1939 and on through his subsequent life. Billy joins Chelsea as a football apprentice, rises through the reserves to become a real champion. His passion for football sees him through the war years – even as a prisoner of war he organises a friendly against the Italians – but, having been injured by a mine he cannot play for Chelsea on his return to England. Billy turns to vagrancy and alcohol and for years he wanders up and down the country. he re-settles in London in a derelict house and is befriended by a family who move him to a shed in their garden. He, in turn, helps their son with his football who in his turn becomes a Chelsea player. Billy becomes a Chelsea Pensioner and his 80th birthday is celebrated when Chelsea play at home. A novel for both children and adults which deals with some difficult issues. Michael Morpurgo’s storytelling is superb.
Critic reviews
'a thrilling and moving story about a Chelsea footballer who gets caught up in the ravages of the Second World War, with the focus on the Beautiful Game as a common bond that can link nations and generations'. Foreman's shimmering watercolours and line, so agile and expressive, are a perfect match for Morpurgo's assured and memorable narrative. This is a book that will be treasured by any child or teacher learning about the Second World War.' TES
'A story that combines football and war. It is a lot like an afternoon at Stamford Bridge, and ideal for football fans aged eight and over.' The Daily Telegraph
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What listeners say about Billy the Kid
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nixie Graham
- 25-09-23
Love this book
My 11 yr old wants to be a footballer and we both loved listening to it. Highly recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 14-01-20
a sad but yet amazing story I highly recommend it!
I love being able to listen to it find it very handy for when I'm going I highly recommend this book and I loved the ending
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr John ODonnell
- 10-06-20
Magic
Listened to this at least 10 times as its humanity is so strong between the characters.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Sage
- 19-01-16
Great book loved it.
I like it a lot very sad story so be ready but all of it is good.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- scagnoli
- 07-01-15
Fantastic read
I loved it especially the part when sang happy birthday to him on the pitch. Great book for football lovers!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Yussufs
- 14-07-16
my boy loved it!
my 9yr old listened to this daily and loved listening to it on the way to school. So much, in fact that he did not want to get out of the car and go to his class!
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