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A review by seaofthesun14
Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff
3.0
Plot Summary:
During World War II, a young girl named Lily is temporarily torn away from her best friend, Margaret, and her father. Eventually, she establishes a close friendship with a young boy named Albert, a refugee from Hungary. However, Lily’s tendency to lie unmaliciously places Albert’s life in danger.
Critical Analysis:
The main characters in this historical fiction novel are believable because Lily and Albert are accurately portrayed as being young children. They are naïve and temperamental and use language that is appropriate to their developmental level as well as time period. They also engage in childish activities and actively use their imagination in the story. Although historical elements are accurately presented, there is hardly that many historical details in the story, thus making the plot understandable to young readers. In addition, the conflict of trying to reunite a Hungarian refugee with his sister is realistic to the time period since many families were separated during World War II. The setting of the story also contributed to the authenticity of the story because it is set in 1944 in New York. Because America was at war in 1944, the fact that Lily’s father had to go overseas to the war and Albert and his family were persecuted in Europe accentuates the authenticity of the story’s historical elements.
As for theme of the story, one main theme that is still relevant today is the attachment to family ties regardless of physical distance. This theme is relatable to many readers but especially to those who have a family member overseas who is protecting our rights and freedom. In regards to the style, the author captures the flavor of the time period through speech patterns of the era. For example, when Albert speaks, he sometimes does not understand what Lily means and asks for clarification at times because English is his second language and his cultural norms differ from those of Lily. Lastly, the author does a great job in balancing World War II facts with fiction. Overall, I recommend this historical fiction book because it showcases the ties of family and friendship.
During World War II, a young girl named Lily is temporarily torn away from her best friend, Margaret, and her father. Eventually, she establishes a close friendship with a young boy named Albert, a refugee from Hungary. However, Lily’s tendency to lie unmaliciously places Albert’s life in danger.
Critical Analysis:
The main characters in this historical fiction novel are believable because Lily and Albert are accurately portrayed as being young children. They are naïve and temperamental and use language that is appropriate to their developmental level as well as time period. They also engage in childish activities and actively use their imagination in the story. Although historical elements are accurately presented, there is hardly that many historical details in the story, thus making the plot understandable to young readers. In addition, the conflict of trying to reunite a Hungarian refugee with his sister is realistic to the time period since many families were separated during World War II. The setting of the story also contributed to the authenticity of the story because it is set in 1944 in New York. Because America was at war in 1944, the fact that Lily’s father had to go overseas to the war and Albert and his family were persecuted in Europe accentuates the authenticity of the story’s historical elements.
As for theme of the story, one main theme that is still relevant today is the attachment to family ties regardless of physical distance. This theme is relatable to many readers but especially to those who have a family member overseas who is protecting our rights and freedom. In regards to the style, the author captures the flavor of the time period through speech patterns of the era. For example, when Albert speaks, he sometimes does not understand what Lily means and asks for clarification at times because English is his second language and his cultural norms differ from those of Lily. Lastly, the author does a great job in balancing World War II facts with fiction. Overall, I recommend this historical fiction book because it showcases the ties of family and friendship.