Summerland
Young Brigitta, an Austrian Jewish girl who suffered hardship and cruelty when the German Nazis invaded Austria, including the death of her mother, is finally rescued by the Red Cross and taken to England. Suspicious of everyone and confused by the English way of life, its traditions, customs and most of all food, Brigitta is determined to find Summerland, a grand country house. All this seems a life-affirming young adult novel. But why is she still so suspicious and trusts no-one, and how come she has a hidden knife?
As the novel progresses, things become far more serious for this refugee. Who is she – a kind girl or someone else? This is a novel that is hard to review without divulging a whopping plot spoiler. However, clever readers will pick up the many clues along the way, strong characterisation and even ghosts!
This is a gripping novel, full of discussion of truth in war, prejudice, class hatred and the fear of strangers. I recommend it to every reader, not just young adults. There is so much to discuss, especially this statement from the protagonist. “It doesn’t just take evil people to do evil things. Anybody could let themselves get swept along with violence if they weren’t careful.”
