What a beautiful yet sad literary fiction! There are many sacrifices brought to life in an impeccable view of what it was like for children in the 1940's in London to be sent to the U.S. to a family they didn't know. It was a risky chance for 11 year old Beatrix after her mom and dad sent her by ship to live with the Gregory family until the WWII war was over. She was one of the lucky ones to live safely with a family of an affluent lifestyle. Their home most of the year was in Boston, but their vacation home set a top their very own island in Maine.
My heart ached for Beatrix parents, Millie & Reginald. What a sacrifice! Letters and telegrams would arrive in delayed increments, but each one read brought comfort in knowing she was well taken care of. The Gregory family lathered her in clothes and vacations. The guilt would sometimes overtake Beatrix knowing her parents were hiding in bomb shelters while she lived comfortably in the U.S.
At times when the letters came, the luxurious life was contained so as not to upset her parents. The jealousy and anger for her child being smothered in love was too much for Millie to bear. The Gregory family also had two sons and Bea became enchanted by their friendship and spunk to have fun. She becomes closer to William, the eldest.
I know why it ranked high on everyone's review because it is a touching story of love, loss and true friendships for a lifetime of memories. You will not be disappointed in this book!
My heart ached for Beatrix parents, Millie & Reginald. What a sacrifice! Letters and telegrams would arrive in delayed increments, but each one read brought comfort in knowing she was well taken care of. The Gregory family lathered her in clothes and vacations. The guilt would sometimes overtake Beatrix knowing her parents were hiding in bomb shelters while she lived comfortably in the U.S.
At times when the letters came, the luxurious life was contained so as not to upset her parents. The jealousy and anger for her child being smothered in love was too much for Millie to bear. The Gregory family also had two sons and Bea became enchanted by their friendship and spunk to have fun. She becomes closer to William, the eldest.
I know why it ranked high on everyone's review because it is a touching story of love, loss and true friendships for a lifetime of memories. You will not be disappointed in this book!