Archive | February 2016

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Feb28

Stick With It

The Book ThiefThe Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a most unusual novel. The setting is Molching, Germany during the second world war. The narrator is death.

It had a strange opening which I persevered through. Each chapter is laid out in a very unique way.

I had heard a lot of good things about it being a ‘brilliant’ book. I however found it extremely difficult to get into. My daughter told me to ‘carry on with it.’ And I am glad I did – the final third of the book was a ‘wow’ moment in literature.

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Finally Home by Deborah Raney

Feb25

A Search For Peace

Finally HomeFinally Home by Deborah Raney is a Christian novella set in America 1972 during the Vietnam war.

Brian returns from Nam in a wheelchair. His parents alter their huge house to accommodate his needs, hire a physical therapist and then disappear to Columbia. “If money could buy a miracle, he was home free.” Brian’s parents have everything money can buy. However money cannot buy health or good relationships.

Kathy is Brian’s therapist and she believes in him. She works with him and encourages him. She is balm to his wounded body and soul. But Kathy is hiding a secret.

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Rosa’s Gold by Ray Kingfisher

Feb24

May We Never Forget

Rosa's GoldRosa’s Gold by Ray Kingfisher is a powerful story of love, loss and the horrors of war. It is set over two time periods – present day and the war years 1943-1945.

Nicole and her Mum move into a house in Henley following the death of her brother Darren and her parent’s marriage breakdown. Teenager Nicole stumbles upon an old briefcase in the cellar with papers inside it detailing an old man’s life. She begins reading it.

Mac was the old man. In 1990 he retired and decided to write down the story of his war years as a soldier. He was finally ready to face both his memories and his fears.

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Snow On The Tulips by Liz Tolsma

Feb23

Fear and Faith During War

Snow on the tulipsSnow On The Tulips by Liz Tolsma is a Christian historical novel. It is set in the first few months of 1945 in the occupied Netherlands, as the second world war is drawing to a close.

Cornelia and her brother Johann have already lost so much in the five years occupation. Cornelia tries hard to protect twenty year old Johann who longs for adventure. Sneaking out one night, he rescues injured resistance fighter Gerrit. This tests Cornelia to the limits as if Gerrit is found in their house, they will all be punished.

Liz Tolsma shows Cornelia to be a ‘mothering’ character. She desires to keep everyone safe. Cornelia lost her husband Hans on their wedding night and the first night of the war. She has lived in fear of loss ever since.

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