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4.67 AVERAGE
4.67 AVERAGE
A nice sequel, though it really feels as if it is just the same story split into two books. I really enjoyed the evacuation setting and getting to know the two families where Billy was billeted. There are some poignant moments here, and you feel as if you get to know many of the characters quite deeply. The story felt so real that it made me wonder if the author had lived through this herself, or at least had heard much of it directly from those who had done so. I've always loved reading about WWII, but I never before read in detail about the homefront life in England during the war. It was fascinating and very worthwhile.
There is an inherent charm to Minett's writing. A real sense of place and feeling without indulging in sentimentality. It's impossible not to feel for Billy and the acuity with which we see the changing world through a young boy's eyes is uncanny. The continuing distance between Billy and his aloof mother feels very authentic and as with the first book, the historical detail is richly woven in. This is an absolute treat for fans of Michelle Magorian's Goodnight Mr Tom. Utterly spell binding.