Projekt 1065- Storyline and Review

‘Projekt 1065’ is a story about Michael O’Shaunessey, a 13-year-old Irish boy, who lives with his parents (Irish ambassadors) in Germany in 1943, when the Second World War is in full swing. To everyone, Michael seems like a regular boy living with his parents, attending school like other kids, and serving the country by being a part of the Hitler Youth. But Michael is not a Nazi. He is a spy.

Ireland has taken a neutral stance during the war and has an embassy in Berlin. Michael’s parents work there. Together, they and Michael secretly pass on important information to their Allied partners and risk their lives daily while doing their jobs.

Projekt 1065 is the code name for the secret project undertaken by Germany. It involves the design and development of fast jet planes. This project would give Germany a significant advantage against the RAF if successful. Especially after the defeat of Germany in the battle of Stalingrad, wherein Germany lost more than 250,000 soldiers, Germany is desperate. Youths aged 16-18 are positioned at the war front, and teenagers are trained to use guns and ammunition. This new engineering breakthrough is a ray of hope for Germany and can potentially turn the war in their favour. Michael wants to get his hands on the project blueprints. But it is not so easy. The blueprints are at his friend’s house, and he has to use stealth, tactics, and even deceit to get his hands on them.

The author takes the reader through a range of experiences that Michael goes through to fulfil his duties as a Spy – the sacrifices he makes and the helplessness he feels every day when he has to turn a blind eye and resign himself to things he thinks are wrong and unacceptable. At a tender age, he learns why and how many small sacrifices must be made for the greater good.

The book is quite engaging and is suitable for middle school readers. There is some scope for improvement in the plot. Still, the backdrop of war and the inclusion of actual historical events and people into the story – like the Kristallnacht, the Edelweiss Pirates, the Hitler youth, the battle of Stalingrad, the development of the atomic bomb, and the constant effort for both sides to poach scientists – make the story palatable for the adult audience too. The author’s note, in the end, is a must-read, gives a better understanding, and adds meaning to this historical fiction.

All in all, it is a captivating read and a page-turner.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kluitman Alkmaar B.V., Uitgeverij; 1. edition (15 Feb. 2017)
Language ‏ : ‎ Dutch
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9020654543
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-9020654547
Original title ‏ : ‎ Projekt 1065
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.1 x 2.8 x 21.1 cm