England in WWII. Zara and her classmates are helping with the war. They are shocked when they find out what is really going on. It is a very touching story.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

I quite enjoyed this, it is full of very interesting information but it is not as light a read as I expected from the blurb. It is, in fact, so jam packed with cultural commentary, social history and characters that I found it a very tiring read.

I found the writing style difficult at first with what I would say is unusual sentence constructions but I soon got used to it. I like a book to flow over me and I do not like to re-read a sentence to get the meaning. I prefer a plainer style. Maybe I am out of practice at reading serious, almost non fiction books!

The author is a history expert and, really, the book reads more like a history book of the 20th century made more accessible by following main events through Zara and her family. There is nothing light hearted or humorous, everything is very serious.

I liked best the bits about Zara and her life in the village where she made friends, shone at school and seemed happy and contented. The juxtaposition of Zara's experiences with those of the Lodz ghetto is very well done. On the other hand I found the Camden 1999 parts to be irritating and almost impenetrable. How can a century be "long"? Surely, be definition it is 100 years but from what I can understand the Professor considers that the 19th century did not end until Sarajevo in 1914. Should he not have said "epoch" in place of "century"?

One thing I found very trying was the author describing events rather than naming them clearly. I did get some of the references but instead of just saying Enoch Powell he refers to a "narcissistic classicist prophesying rivers of blood"; instead of saying the Aberfan disaster he says "a Welsh village mourned the submergence of its children". I did not get other references such as" a priest's flag sought passage amongst a murdered thirteen" ..

I was aware of most of the events of the century but this book would certainly be an excellent way to introduce perhaps a younger person to all the turmoil and momentous events through trading fiction rather than a history book.

For enjoyment I would say 3 but as a palatable way to tell history I will give it 4 stars.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!

Zara has her own little escape to the country in this novel. im sure its not the same for all but zara seemed to thrive and grow once in the country. she was a determined young girl. but was kind with it and her determination seemed mostly to make the world a better place. she get absorbed in her goals to help the war effort. this become especially true when she finds out something huge about her own identity. i thought this was a real thought provoke moment. because there is one thing knowing from the start of the danger that might be heightened because of who you are. but what if in the midst of war you suddenly find your are in so much more of a dangerous position simply for existing. i myself cannot imagine such fear from the revelation. and this then also helps you put yourself in the position of all the Jews. because to feel such danger, for simply being born must build a fear in you that is woven through your every move. and how frightened they all must have been during the war doesnt bear thinking about.
we all have fears. the worst possible outcomes that go through our heads. imagine all those coming true.... imagine all and so much worse being true just for being you. or how would you feel if you found out post war? you might relive the what ifs for the rest of time, or feel relief, im not sure.
i like Zara. she had more spirit than most you read about during this time. so often we read(obviously) about the fears and downsides of the time. but i loved her drive for making things better throughout and then post as she move into womanhood with gusto.