Good Night, Mr. Tom

In Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian, a brusque, but loving Englishman is greatly affected by the people in his life. Tom’s late wife, Rachel, caused him to hold himself back socially. He never participates in any of the town volunteer work, never tries to get to know his neighbors, and cannot even bring himself to go into a paint shop for forty long years. Rachel left him alone with no one to help him, so when Willie enters into his life, Tom returns to the kind, friendly, and outgoing person that he is. When Willie enters his life Tom feels responsible for taking care of him and making him comfortable for the time he would be there. Tom grows very fond of Willie, and doing everything he possibly can to give Willie the very best opportunities.