Helpful Score: 3
This is a well-told story about an orphan in England during WW II. It's got lots of turns and the characters are very well developed. It's a page-turner (I read it in a few sittings). If you like character interaction and a bit of intrigue, this one's for you.
Helpful Score: 2
1941 England: A train arrives in the countryside bringing children to safety - "Out of the Blackout" and air strikes of London. But, after all are accounted for and shuttled into care-taker families one boy is leftover - not on the the list. He says he is 5-years old. He says he is Simon Thorn. He says he lives on Sparrow Street. He is clean, well-mannered, and his clothes neatly mended. He has sobbing nightmares.
Dot and Tom Cutheridge, a childless couple are delighted with Simon and ask no probing questions. Not then. Not ever. If there's a mum wanting Simon back it's her responsibility to make the claim. Simon is happy with that arrangement until, in London on an Oxford scholarship, he stumbles across a familiar street, a door - a place he is certain he once lived. An itching desire to know is ignited; slowly at first...then drawing Simon into a dangerous sub-culture of hate as he uncovers a past better left to rot. Enthralling. ~Angie Lund
Dot and Tom Cutheridge, a childless couple are delighted with Simon and ask no probing questions. Not then. Not ever. If there's a mum wanting Simon back it's her responsibility to make the claim. Simon is happy with that arrangement until, in London on an Oxford scholarship, he stumbles across a familiar street, a door - a place he is certain he once lived. An itching desire to know is ignited; slowly at first...then drawing Simon into a dangerous sub-culture of hate as he uncovers a past better left to rot. Enthralling. ~Angie Lund
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent mystery! Loved the premise of a young boy being sent away as an evacuee during WWII under a made up name and the quirky way he discovered the truth about his past.
