Tag Archive | Diney Costeloe

The Throwaway Children by Diney Costeloe

The Ties That Bind

throwawayThe Throwaway Children by Diney Costeloe is a historical tale of love and loss, heartache and disappointment, bravery and courage. Set just after World War II and spanning nearly twenty years and two continents The Throwaway Children is a marvellous read. It made me smile, it made me cry and it made me angry.

The book is not called The Throwaway Children for nothing. It is a tale of unwanted children. Children who are thrown away because they are inconvenient. There were many orphans following the second world war and there were children who were believed to be orphans. Homes for unwanted children were set up. Some were run by people who believed they were improving the lot of the poor by removing their children but children will thrive where there is love and not if there isn’t. “She had done God’s work. Remorse and guilt never came to mind.” Do-gooders never saw the bigger picture, they were singularly focused in their aims, believing if they allied themselves with God, they were doing His work.

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The Girl With No Name by Diney Costeloe

The Good Angel

Girl withThe Girl With No Name by Diney Costeloe is a historical fiction and set during World War II. It has action both in Germany and England. It is an epic read and one that tugs at the reader’s heart.

Diney Costeloe has perfectly captured the traumatic atmosphere of the war years both in London and the countryside. The resolve of the British spirit could not be broken by Hitler. “Offices, factories, churches, homes, all targeted to instil fear and misery, to destroy the morale of the Londoners.” The carry on atmosphere of the people prevailed inspite of the blitz. Londoners pulled together, overcoming against all the odds.

War for the German Jews was catastrophic. Many had fought for Germany during the First World War and saw themselves as German “first and foremost.” As the Jewish people were targeted so that had to decide to hide or flee. The kindertransport brought out the desperation and braveness of the parents of the children involved. “It took brave women with deep love for their children to do that.” The children were equally brave as many arrived in England unable to speak the language and alone. Diney Costeloe has captured their fear perfectly.

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