Post by Ashley
Every now and then you run across a book that grabs onto you and won't let you go, even after you turn the last page. This is one of those books. I don't know how these authors did it (the book is written by two women), but I was totally convinced that every character in the book must be real, must have really lived on that small island off the coast of England during World War II. I had to keep checking and rechecking the little "historical fiction" line. I haven't read a ton of WWII books beyond the Number the Stars kind of kid fare, mostly because I know that what took place in that war was so horrific, I don't think I could stomach reading an adult book set in that time period. If that's a worry you share, let me reassure you that this book deals respectfully with the subject---which is not to say that it glosses over the horror; it simply doesn't dwell on the details. I wouldn't recommend it to a reader younger than, say, fourteen. All cliche-ness aside, this book will move you and uplift you. Read it. I know you'll love it.
You might also like a film called "Mother of Mine." I saw this festival film on my cable recently, and it is worth seeking out. It is a Finnish film, about a boy who is taken to Sweden in World War II, along with thousands of "war children." It is a beautiful film, about a part of the war I knew nothing about. It would be a great film to watch with kids - old enough to read subtitles.
ReplyDeleteMarcia Calhoun Forecki
Better Than Magic
www.eloquentbooks.com/BetterThanMagic.html
I'm excited to read this one!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I thought this was one of the great unknown books no one knew about. This was recommended to me by my favorite local independent bookseller. I couldn't believe it when I saw the cover here.
ReplyDeleteloved this book...read it in one sitting...I loved these people!
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