Tag Archive | Bookouture

The Girl With The Red Hair by Imogen Matthews

Mar22

Extraordinary Bravery

The Girl With The Red Hair by Imogen Matthews is a powerful historical novel that is grounded in fact.

The action is set in the Netherlands during World War II. We see the lives of the Dutch move from freedom to persecution as the Nazis marched in and tightened their grip on the country.

We witness the fear as good people hide their Jewish friends and strangers. We can understand the frustration of those in hiding – but is it really worth the risk of going outdoors?

Ordinary people commit extraordinary acts of bravery. It is surprising to learn of the hidden talents of some – being able to forge documents, de-code messages etc.

We follow members of the resistance. They are asked to do things one would never usually dream of – such as handling a gun.

Continue reading →

Aunt Violet’s Locket by Kristin Harper

Mar13

A Lasting Legacy

Aunt Violet’s Locket by Kristin Harper is a most delightful contemporary novel. It is the sixth book in the Dune Island series but can be read as a stand-alone.

An unexpected inheritance sees the lead character travel to a remote island in order to claim an isolated property. It is everything she doesn’t want, but a summer spent preparing to sell sees more changes than in just the building.

Links to the past are unearthed as a character seeks out the truth behind the stories of her late ninety nine year old great aunt whom she never met. It has all been smoke and mirrors as there was so much more to her than the alleged wilting wallflower.

Secrets, stories and lies from World War II have been buried but are unearthed unexpectedly. This causes a dilemma – what to do with the knowledge?

Within the novel society has put an emphasis on women marrying young and not ending up on the shelf! Women are to be homemakers. Much is made of a showy engagement and wedding, without much thought to the actual marriage.

Continue reading →

The Last Day In Paris by Suzanne Kelman

Feb29

Keep The Fires Burning

The Last Day In Paris by Suzanne Kelman is a marvellous dual timeline novel that I loved. It is the first book in The Paris Sisters series which promises to be fantastic.

The novel is set in present day and Paris during World War II. We ‘see’ the Nazis collecting and collating works of art to be shipped back to Germany. These treasures are more than their canvases and their worth, they are the very heart of the French people. Art speaks to souls. We witness the lengths some will go in order to protect it.

There are those who want to preserve the art for future generations to enjoy. In contrast, we see black marketeers who merely want the art for personal wealth. These unscrupulous people come in some surprising forms.

We follow a family of three generations. They are strongly bonded with each other and also have a bond with a painting done by their father. This is a microcosm for the value placed on art by the French people as a whole.

Continue reading →

The Only Light In London by Lily Graham

Feb21

Lighting Each Other Up

The Only Light In London by Lily Graham is a powerful historical novel that consumed me.

The action begins in 1939 in both London, and eight months earlier in Berlin. It was a terrifying time to be Jewish and living in Nazi Germany. We drop in on a family and see the difficulties they face as they try to flee the country. They become a family divided.

We see the bravery of a twelve year old girl. “They don’t have the right to make me feel I’m worth less than them just because I’m a Jew.” She shows incredible courage. Though her body is limited as to where she can go, her mind is free because she refuses to let the Nazis take her mind captive.

In London we witness the fear of the population sheltering from the bombs, in the underground. “They were like small boats battling the fear in waves.” The people lift each other up, raising the spirits of those who are afraid.

It is always good to have something to focus on. We see a newly formed drama group who need enthusiasm and not talent, to join it. This is a place where those on the outskirts of society find a place to belong.

Continue reading →