2nd June 2011, Mira Books
480 pages, Paperback
Review copy
Historical,
1940's, Channel Islands, rationing, evacuation, occupation by the enemy, momentous decisions, single mother, affair (closed doors policy on adult relations), teen romance, being a teen in war time,
Summary from the press release
1940: As France falls to the Germans and the enemy looms to Guernsey’s shores, Vivienne de la Mere has the ultimate decision to make - to leave Guernsey, along with most of the islanders and take the treacherous trip to mainland England, or stay, and risk the inevitable occupation with her two daughters and mother-in-law. Vivienne’s decision to stay is set to change the course of hers and her daughters’ lives forever.
Nayuleska's reasons for loving Vivienne...she uses her head (some of the time) and does what it takes to keep her children safe, and happy during such difficult times. She also takes risks that didn't need taking, as well as those which did.
Is there another character who deserves a mention? Millie - she is positively adorable! She's a young girl, and her view on life is a pleasure to read.
How evil/nasty is the enemy? To be honest, it wasn't the Germans who were evil - it was the people in charge of them, back in their homeland. Some were cruel, but most didn't have a choice.
Are there plenty of plot twists and surprises? Ever so many - although the press sheet actually had a big spoiler, so I was aware of one surprise.
One of my favourite parts was...It's a point where Millie gets asked if she can swallow pills, and her reply is 'Of course I can. I'm four and a half." She's the 2nd heroine of the novel.
I give this book 9/10 for being extremely detailed and engaging all my emotions.
Make sure you take a peek at Margaret's other books on her website.
Suggested reads
A fictional diary which could have been written by Peter, who shared the annex with Anne Frank in Annexed by Sharon Dogar
Or the life of a Polish boy, orphaned during Nazi occupation in Auslander by Paul Dowswell
