Tag Archive | Faber and Faber Books

In Darkling Wood by Emma Carroll

Hope In The Dark

In Darkling Wood by Emma Carroll is a wonderful children’s dual timeline novel that will enchant the reader. It is perfect for ages ten and over.

The novel is set in present day and 1918 in the form of a series of letters. In both time periods there are sisters waiting for news of brothers – one is at war, the other in hospital. It is a tense time as the waiting seems to take an eternity.

Darkling Wood unites both time periods as the characters live in the same house united by their bloodline. Darkling Wood is rumored to be inhabited by fairies – but surely that cannot be true.

We witness the difficulty of fitting into a new school as one’s peers seem to be a close-knit group. A bond formed with a like-minded character helps to sustain.

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When We Were Warriors by Emma Carroll

Exciting And Engaging

When We Were Warriors by Emma Carroll is a charming collection of three stories set in 1942. They are just perfect for ages ten years and older.

All the stories interlink and continue on from previous stories but can be read as stand-alones.

The reader marvels at the bravery of the children involved. Many are evacuees from Bristol. Where they see needs or problems, they set out to solve them.

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A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe

His Greatest Gift

A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe is an absolutely heartbreaking historical tale that surrounds the terrible Aberfan disaster of 21st October 1966.

The novel begins and ends (7 years later) in Aberfan. Aberfan was a defining moment in nineteen year old William’s life as he volunteered (for his first job) as an embalmer there. It was a job he did with quiet kindness, wanting the children to look their best for their parents.

“Keep your head down and your heart hard. That’s your kindness” was the advice William was given by those older than him. Those few days were to haunt William in his waking and his sleeping, as he could not escape the sights he saw. Those sights would direct his thoughts and beliefs for years.

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Letters From The Lighthouse by Emma Carroll

To Guide The Lost To Safety

Letters From The Lighthouse by Emma Carroll is a wonderful historical children’s novel for ages ten and over. I am considerably older and I really enjoyed it.

The action is set in 1941 beginning in London. Emma Carroll has perfectly captured the Blitz with her full descriptions. I ‘walked’ through the dangerous streets peppered with bombs and fire. The bulldog spirit was very much alive.

The reader follows the action to Devon where the children are evacuated to. Here the fresh air is in direct contrast to London.

Loose lips sink ships. The reader sees the need for secrecy as things are definitely going on behind closed doors.

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