efirer 's review for:

When We Were Young & Brave by Hazel Gaynor

5.0

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I have enjoyed Helen Gaynor’s books, but really loved this one. This work of historical fiction takes place in China during WWII, as the Japanese occupied China. At a school for missionary and diplomatic children, Nancy meets her best friends Sprout and Mouse. When Elsoeth Kent took on the position of teacher, she could never predict the type of care and involvement she would have as the school is first evacuated to smaller quarters, and then the group is sent to an Internment camp. Miss Kent and Nancy form what is close to a mother and daughter relationship, while Nancy also bonds with her two friends. The Japanese guards are at times brutal, with the exception of a few who try to help the group. The characters are sympathetic and lovable, and I will miss them. I highly recommend and thank NetGalley for he ARC.