Three Cheers For The Blitz Kids!
The Lost Orphans by Ellie Curzon is an entertaining historical novel and the first book in The Runaway Evacuees series which promises to be fabulous.
The action is set in London in 1940, with the occasional glimpses backwards. It surrounds a group of orphans who were bombed out. They band together as a unit, looking out for each other, and for those in need.
We see that the children are plucky and resourceful. Their bravery knows no bounds as they set about rescuing those who are trapped by the Blitz – hence they earn their name, The Blitz Kids.
Londoners were a brave bunch, full of the bulldog spirit. “No matter how many bombs Hitler sent, London carried on.” Not much stops them. They drink tea, keep calm and carry on.
There are some big-hearted characters within the novel. In contrast, there are also those who seek to profit from the misery of others.
All the characters were realistically drawn and very likable. I loved the bond that Elsie formed with a small dog called Pippa, and also with the big-hearted Mr Wyngate and Lisette.
The Lost Orphans was a thrilling adventure, full of derring do, heroes and villains. I was totally engrossed and read it in just an afternoon.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
Book Description:
London, 1941. “Help me, Jack” is Elsie’s last thought as the building crashes down around her and everything goes dark. Will she ever see her big brother again?
The war has robbed eight-year-old orphan Elsie of everything except her older brother Jack. Evacuated together, hand in hand they escaped a cruel farming family only to find their home destroyed, their mother gone. Wide-eyed Elsie hasn’t spoken since, and every night she cries for her mother, and for their father, lost at war.
Wandering under the falling ash, their stomachs twist with hunger and Jack knows he cannot protect Elsie alone. But everything changes when they join a rag-tag band of orphans, runaway evacuees who’ve returned to the city just like them. With nothing left to lose, the children stay above ground as Nazi planes fly overhead, determined to help others. But as they risk their lives, who will protect them?
Then during a night of terrible bombing, the unimaginable happens. Elsie disappears. Their faces streaked with tears, Jack and his friends search through the flames and smoke, knowing she has no voice to respond to their cries. Will anyone find her before it’s too late? And will the lost orphans ever find a safe home?
From the bestselling author of The Ration Book Baby comes a breathtaking, heartbreaking and uplifting wartime novel, inspired by a true story about runaway evacuees. Perfect for fans of Orphan Train, Sold on a Monday and Diney Costeloe.
Author Bio:
Ellie Curzon is the pen name of Catherine Curzon and Helen Barrell. Catherine and Helen began writing together in the spring of 2017 and swiftly discovered a shared love of the past and a uniquely British sort of story. They drink gallons of tea, spend hours discussing the importance of good tailoring and are never at a loss for a bit of derring-do.
Catherine Curzon is an author and historian of old Hollywood and even older royalty. In addition to a series of eighteenth century biographies and a sell-out play, she has written extensively for a number of international publications, and has spoken at venues and events across the United Kingdom. Catherine lives in a haze of Dean Martin atop a steep Yorkshire hill, with a rakish gentleman and a very woolly dog.
Helen Barrell has written two books on Victorian crime, and has appeared on BBC1 and Radio 4. She loves researching family history and rummaging in libraries and archives. Originally from the south-east of England, Helen now lives somewhere in the Midlands with a large ginger cat, who resembles a Viking, and a well-stocked 1960’s cocktail bar.
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Buy Link:
Amazon: https://geni.us/B0F62VZSMSsocial
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Sarah Hardy
Publicist
Bookouture
Storyfire Ltd
Carmelite House
50 Victoria Embankment
London EC4Y 0DZ
Storyfire Limited, a member of Hachette UK Group, registered in England and Wales under company no. 7893911
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