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Linda Newbery
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Book
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Publisher | David Fickling Books | ||
ISBN | 1842551434 | ||
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Reviewer
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Jayne
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Synopsis
Henry never quite fits in. He feels like an outsider - and about to become even more so when his family move to the country and the prospect of a new secondary school looms. He retreats more and more into his shell, until he meets Dottie a frail old lady, but one with tremendous spirit. He feels as though he knows her, as though they have been friends for many years. And as she tells him about her wartime romance with an RAF navigator also called Henry, so our Henry is drawn into that world. In a series of mysterious, sometimes frightening events he re-enacts Henry's life...and learns that despite being dreadfully afraid, Henry acted heroically at the cost of his own life. Only our Henry knows the true story and it shows him a way through his own self doubts and misgivings.
Review
Linda Newbury as written yet another fabulous book called At The Firefly Gate.
This story of Henry's move to the country and a new school is a very well written tale and exceptionally haunting, and also very compelling reading. I loved the book - the piece that made me laugh the most was of the fact, that the kids that will be at his new school, manage to smuggle him in for a day with them in the last week of the term, so that he can get to know them. Most kids want to get out of school but not Henry, he is bored and one of the children just thinks it will help him make friends. What a brilliant and friendly gesture to a new commer in the village.
But the story is not just about that, it brings up incidences that have happened over the years and Henry seems to be perceptive of this meetings and a chanel for what is to happen.
I love the way that Linda has woven an old war tale in with a new comer to the village. Her writings is magical and 8 - 10 year olds will enjoy this book just as much as the teenagers and us grandmothers that are out there. Young peoples books really do light up the day and bring a smile to my face.
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