The Runaway Orphans - Book Review

 

The Runaway Orphans

Pam Weaver

3.5 Stars

Pub Date June 2022 

 

 

The story unfolds with details of the child evacuation from London due to the war. The sadness of families torn apart has been told before but some children leave for other reasons. And this 'other' is the centrepiece of this book.

There are many endearing characters, who learn to rely and care for each other while the war plays on as the backdrop. Reference to working conditions, female roles and strength of character, food shortages etc. are interwoven amidst the daily telling of life during those difficult times.

Norah and Jim are open-hearted, Amelie and Linnet tell their emotional story and show their fierce bond, and many other characters do pull at your heartstrings.

This was still an easy read in spite of the circumstances that were taking place. A good book for those who like the countryside, a community of characters who know each other and who also have some knowledge of the war, Dunkirk and the politics of the time. An entertaining, although simplistic look at this era.

I realize that the evacuation of children during the war was almost downplayed as the mystery of the two sisters is told. There are some triggers in this book which were quite shocking but seemed under-investigated in my thinking.

I also felt that there were definitely some unfinished story lines, so I was disappointed when the book ended almost suddenly. I can only guess that there could be a sequel which would be welcomed by its fans.


I read this advance copy as provided by #NetGalley for my review. 

Now, on to the next book,

 



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