Whistling in the Dark
Whistling in the Dark is a story of friendship and loyalty, set against the backdrop of the Liverpool Blitz. Thirteen-year-old Joan Armitage and her family deal with curfews, food rationing and the horror of the air raids on the Liverpool docks. There are mysteries to be solved: who is the stranger lurking in the dark outside Joan’s house? And who is stealing food and selling it on the black market? Tragedy and loss are never far away, and Joan has to deal with situations far beyond her years.
The book has an old-fashioned feel, but this does not detract in any way from its charm and warmth. Shirley Hughes has drawn on her own memories of a wartime childhood, and this gives the story a satisfying depth. The realities of war are dealt with sensitively. There is no overt horror, but Hughes does not sugar-coat what happened in Liverpool in the early years of the war. For those who thought the Blitz only took place in London, this is a sobering reminder that this was not the case.
This is Shirley Hughes’ second novel for older children. The first, Hero on a Bicycle, was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Award. The chapter headings are illustrated with black and white sketches in Hughes’ familiar style.
Whistling in the Dark is an interesting glimpse into what life was like for people on the Home Front during the Second World War. Joan and her family come across as real people who struggle at times to deal with lives narrowed by blackouts, food queues and the terrifying uncertainties of almost nightly bombings, and the resulting death and destruction. This would suit readers aged 12+ and, with the strong female main character, it might appeal more to girls. Highly recommended.
