This is a young adult book, post WWII, following one young refugee, Brigitta, in England. It was an easy read due to this, the horrors of wars are not shied away from and instead discussed with a simplicity and throw-awayness of a young person for whom this has simply become life as they know it. In a way this makes the recollections back to war time all the more horrific to read.
Brigitta is journeying to Summerland Hall to settle a score with the lady of the house. Brigittas' troubles aren't entirely over, she encounters plenty of xenophobia along the way however she meets this with spirit and determination. On a lighter note, each chapter was named after a classic English pudding which featured within the book which was fun as the character encountered them.
The character has a lot of secrets which unfolded as the story does, there is a big one hinted at throughout which is revealed at the end and the other characters reactions to this is very moving, if somewhat unlikely in that era, but extremely refreshing.
The other characters act quite stereotypically (as people often can), however there is variety enough and the lady of houses' son and housekeeper were loveable enough that this can be overlooked.
A quick read that introduces an important protagonist with an interesting story to tell.
Brigitta is journeying to Summerland Hall to settle a score with the lady of the house. Brigittas' troubles aren't entirely over, she encounters plenty of xenophobia along the way however she meets this with spirit and determination. On a lighter note, each chapter was named after a classic English pudding which featured within the book which was fun as the character encountered them.
The character has a lot of secrets which unfolded as the story does, there is a big one hinted at throughout which is revealed at the end and the other characters reactions to this is very moving, if somewhat unlikely in that era, but extremely refreshing.
The other characters act quite stereotypically (as people often can), however there is variety enough and the lady of houses' son and housekeeper were loveable enough that this can be overlooked.
A quick read that introduces an important protagonist with an interesting story to tell.