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The Lost Orphans by Ellie Curzon

Jul24

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.

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When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle

Jul20

Tearing At The Emotions

When The Sky Falls by Phil Earle is a powerful historical children’s novel that I absolutely loved. I was drawn into the story from the start.

The four leading characters are an unlikely combination- a twelve-year-old boy; a similar aged girl; a middle-aged lady; and a silverback gorilla. All are thrown together due to World War II.

The novel is set in London in 1941 when a young lad is sent to live with Mrs F. He arrives hurt and angry, and no one can get through his defences. “The last time he’d been at school. The laughter, the pointing fingers and humiliation. He couldn’t do it. Not again.” The fear of school is not unfounded as he meets two classroom bullies and a cruel headmaster. The reader’s heart breaks for the hurting young lad.

Everywhere he goes, people leave. He wonders “what he must have done to cause it.” The reader ‘feels’ his pain.

Encountering the London landscape after rural Yorkshire comes as a shock. “He was shocked… He’d seen photos… of the Blitz… but nothing had prepared him for the smell of it… a cloying smell of charred decay.” This is very descriptive and really sets the scene for the reader. Amid the ashes, the brave Londoners carry on.

At the heart of the novel is Adonis (we met him in Phil Earle’s book The Dawn Of Adonis set in 1911), a silverback gorilla. He is powerful, but once you earn his trust, you have it forever.

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I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery

Jul20

Choose Love

I Am Rebel by Ross Montgomery is a powerful children’s novel that I loved. It is perfect for ages eight years and over.

The novel explores the twin themes of love and loyalty as farm-dog Rebel, sets out in search of his twelve-year-old master, Tom. “He [Tom] is my everything. He’s my nights and my mornings and all my hours inbetween.”

Rebel believes that Tom needs saving, not only from war but from himself. “I have to fight for him… I love him. I have to save him, like he saved me.”

Along the way, Rebel meets characters who help him – a stray dog; a mouse; a pig; a donkey; and a little girl and her grandfather. All become a part of Rebel’s story, whilst having their own individual stories.

Rebel learns about the Companion. “Wherever I go, the Companion walks beside me… The Companion led each of us into this world, they will lead us out of it again… They will walk beside you, always.” The Companion is the canine version of the Holy Spirit.

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Jaipur Moon by Liz Harris

Jul19

Unearthed Secrets

Jaipur Moon by Liz Harris is a historical novel that I enjoyed.

The book is set in India in 1934 as we follow three British families who reside there.

Secrets from 1916 that have been buried, threaten to be unearthed. Unscrupulous characters plot the downfall of others in order to preserve themselves.

There are big hearted characters who believe that family should know the truth. Secrets are a big burden to bear.

One’s character is far more important than one’s wealth. The love of money is the root of all evil and is sure to bring about a downfall.

Three eighteen-year-olds are in the market for marriage. They want to choose their own partners for love, and not have their parents influence.

Liz Harris has written a novel that explodes with vibrancy of heat and colour due to her comprehensive descriptions. The reader is also educated as we are treated to trips out to local landmarks.

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