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mat_tobin 's review for:
Wolf Hollow
by Lauren Wolk
Captivating and poignant, Wolf's novel, the first that I have read, has told me that I will now be reading everything she has written. Her writing is masterful not just in its deceptively-simple prose but in its depth with regard to character and moment. A true gift. Touching on themes of prejudice, justice, and empathy through the eyes of a twelve-year-old Annabelle, living on her family farm in rural Pennsylvania during the 1940s. When a new girl, Betty, arrives at school, she quickly establishes herself as a bully and sets her sights on tormenting Annabelle, her brothers and other children in the town. As Betty's behaviour escalates, Annabelle must navigate her own fears and confront the concept of lying to her parents in order to protect them and the enigmatic and distant Toby - a survivor of World War 1.
The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Annabelle serving as a brave and resilient protagonist who grapples with the weight of responsibility on her young shoulders. Wolk skillfully balances the darker elements of the story with moments of warmth and hope, and her exploration of the impact of war on small communities is both thoughtful and nuanced. Honestly, it's an excellent achievement.
The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with Annabelle serving as a brave and resilient protagonist who grapples with the weight of responsibility on her young shoulders. Wolk skillfully balances the darker elements of the story with moments of warmth and hope, and her exploration of the impact of war on small communities is both thoughtful and nuanced. Honestly, it's an excellent achievement.