Tag Archive | Bloomsbury Publishing

The Valley Of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr

Apr2

Finally Home

The Valley Of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr is a marvellous children’s novel for ages ten and over.

The novel is written in the first person from the point of view of twelve year old Jimmy, who along with his brother six year old Ronnie, is evacuated to a Welsh mining village. The reader witnesses how hard it is to settle when everything has been ripped away from you. It almost feels like a betrayal if you start to feel happy. Jimmy experiences many conflicting emotions as he receives unconditional kindness.

There is a beautiful caring bond between the brothers as Jimmy knows just what Ronnie needs to flourish.

The evacuees from London meet both kindness and hostility from the locals, both young and old. Those who should know better are quick to point the finger and criticise and accuse.

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Orphans Of The Storm by Celia Imrie

Jul18

A True Story

Orphans Of The Storm by Celia Imrie is a thrilling and powerful historical novel based on fact.

It is set around the early 1900’s in France, London, on board the ill-fated Titanic and in New York City. As the storm physically rages around, it is mirrored by mental anguish and a stormy relationship. The fall-out is the young boys.

The novel is a compelling read. The leading lady is well drawn, capturing the reader’s heart as her marriage falls apart. Her strength of character shines through as she seeks a divorce, virtually unheard of at the beginning of the twentieth century.

As the action moves to onboard the Titanic, the reader reads with dread and intrepidation as we know what is coming.

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