Goodreads Reviews: True To The Last

True to the Last by Evelyn Everett-Green

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A little story that, even in its simplicity, has profound truths that resonate for every generation. A sickly little boy, Arnold, loses his mother at a young age. He is taken in by Mary--who is known as Aunt Mary--an old friend of his mother who is also caring for her nephews, Geoffrey-12 and Ted-9, the sons of her widowed brother.

 It's not long before Arnold is swept up by the mischief of cheeky little Ted, while Geoffrey is ever the watchful older brother who keeps on eye on both boys. Overtime, Arnold begins to notice that Geoff has a wonderful love of nature and a gift with animals. He loves horses and is even raising his own chickens and sometimes prefers the company of animals over people. Geoff also has a deep Christian devotion which intrigues Arnold and sparks several conversations between the two boys.

When the boys father, Colonel Douglas, returns home his obvious favoritism is seen when he dotes on Ted, but forever accuses Geoff of not being a better son and brother. No matter what Geoff does, how hard he tries, his father is never pleased. Situations worsen for Geoff when he becomes the target of new-comer, Arthur Heath, a bully who has no regard for rules. While Ted and Arnold worship Arthur, Geoff is wary of him and tries to protect the younger boys from Arthur's schemes. However, Arthur doesn't waste time in harassing Geoff and going as far as killing one of his animals with no remorse at all.

Over and over again, Geoff is disgraced by Arthur, while Arthur himself takes the glory for Geoff's quiet heroic actions. Yet, Geoff takes this all in stride, much to Arnold's amazement. After a family holiday, an alarming discovery is made concerning Geoff. Now both Arthur and Colonel Douglas as well as Arnold and Ted must face the consequences of their past actions toward Geoffrey when they risk losing him forever.

I was struck at how deeply emotional and moving this story was. I admire Geoffrey for his heroism and humility, while loathing Arthur Heath for his selfish and at times inhumane nature. Their is a reality to this story that I think young children today can relate to. Peer pressure, parental approval, bullying, questions of God and Christianity, just to name a few. True to The Last proves that there really is nothing new under the sun and that a loyal heart is infinitely more valuable than any earthly treasure we possess.