World War II is in full swing in London and at that time, Operation Pied Piper was instituted to relocate its children to locations where the risk of bombing attacks was low or non existent.
Beatrix Thompson, eleven years old at the time was one of many children to be sent away. Hoping for the best, Beatrix’ parents, Millie and Reginald made the gut-wrenching decision to ship their little girl overseas to the United States. Boston to be exact.
Unaccompanied and frightened, little Beatrix crosses the Atlantic towards a better and safer future. A new life with Ethan and Nancy Gregory along with their children, William and Gerald awaited her. Beatrix would eventually fit in and conform to the norms of life in the U. S. But what awaited her at the end of the war?
Beyond that, the Sea is a masterful work of historical fiction. It’s one of the best that I’ve read so far. Amazingly, it is the author’s debut novel and it’s a must read for historical fiction aficionados.
The story unfolds through a linear timeline spanning three decades from 1940 to 1977. The timelines are cleverly displayed at the bottom of the pages so I didn’t get lost or needed to backtrack to the beginning of each chapter to determine the correct period.
Multiple points of view dot the novel’s landscape, alternating between the children and parents. The author’s storytelling skills really shine here as she deftly manages to capture the perspectives of both children and adults, as well as seamlessly weaving the story between two countries.
Beyond that, the Sea is definitely an unforgettable novel. Full of emotion, love, and family, it is a novel that I would not hesitate to re-read time and time again. Five outstanding stars.
I received a physical ARC from Celadon Books. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Beatrix Thompson, eleven years old at the time was one of many children to be sent away. Hoping for the best, Beatrix’ parents, Millie and Reginald made the gut-wrenching decision to ship their little girl overseas to the United States. Boston to be exact.
Unaccompanied and frightened, little Beatrix crosses the Atlantic towards a better and safer future. A new life with Ethan and Nancy Gregory along with their children, William and Gerald awaited her. Beatrix would eventually fit in and conform to the norms of life in the U. S. But what awaited her at the end of the war?
Beyond that, the Sea is a masterful work of historical fiction. It’s one of the best that I’ve read so far. Amazingly, it is the author’s debut novel and it’s a must read for historical fiction aficionados.
The story unfolds through a linear timeline spanning three decades from 1940 to 1977. The timelines are cleverly displayed at the bottom of the pages so I didn’t get lost or needed to backtrack to the beginning of each chapter to determine the correct period.
Multiple points of view dot the novel’s landscape, alternating between the children and parents. The author’s storytelling skills really shine here as she deftly manages to capture the perspectives of both children and adults, as well as seamlessly weaving the story between two countries.
Beyond that, the Sea is definitely an unforgettable novel. Full of emotion, love, and family, it is a novel that I would not hesitate to re-read time and time again. Five outstanding stars.
I received a physical ARC from Celadon Books. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.