Engaging, compelling, and unique coming-of-age story
During World War II, 11 year old Beatrix's parents protect her by sending her from war torn London to the United States to live with the Gregory family.
Once in America, Beatrix must assimilate into her new more affluent lifestyle, school, and family: mother Nancy, father Ethan, and brothers 13 year old William and 9 year old Gerald. I was soon immersed in the story and found it compelling and engaging. The short chapters kept the story moving and having multiple narrators added depth and emotion to the story. Since I've read so many books about World War II, I appreciated that this one focused on the characters with the war only as a backdrop. I was as confused as Bea and couldn't decide where she truly belonged... back in London with her biological parents or in Boston with the Gregorys. I can't imagine how difficult it was to send a child away to live with strangers, and my heart broke for all of them at different times.
"My favorite team? The Red Sox. My favorite place? Maine. My favorite food? Your mother's muffins. And yet here I am. This is my home. My mother is here. I belong here and yet I'm in limbo, really, caught between two worlds. I can't seem to find where I fit." - Beatrix to William
This was a touching and powerful coming of age story as Bea struggled with her place in the world, and the way all of the characters progressed and processed everything made it feel true to life. I loved all of the characters so much and didn't want it to end. It's definitely in my top 3 favorites so far this year!
"The best lies are always half truths."
Location: England (London), Massachusetts (Boston), and Maine.
I received an advance copy of this book from BookishFirst. All opinions are my own.
Once in America, Beatrix must assimilate into her new more affluent lifestyle, school, and family: mother Nancy, father Ethan, and brothers 13 year old William and 9 year old Gerald. I was soon immersed in the story and found it compelling and engaging. The short chapters kept the story moving and having multiple narrators added depth and emotion to the story. Since I've read so many books about World War II, I appreciated that this one focused on the characters with the war only as a backdrop. I was as confused as Bea and couldn't decide where she truly belonged... back in London with her biological parents or in Boston with the Gregorys. I can't imagine how difficult it was to send a child away to live with strangers, and my heart broke for all of them at different times.
"My favorite team? The Red Sox. My favorite place? Maine. My favorite food? Your mother's muffins. And yet here I am. This is my home. My mother is here. I belong here and yet I'm in limbo, really, caught between two worlds. I can't seem to find where I fit." - Beatrix to William
This was a touching and powerful coming of age story as Bea struggled with her place in the world, and the way all of the characters progressed and processed everything made it feel true to life. I loved all of the characters so much and didn't want it to end. It's definitely in my top 3 favorites so far this year!
"The best lies are always half truths."
Location: England (London), Massachusetts (Boston), and Maine.
I received an advance copy of this book from BookishFirst. All opinions are my own.