Carrie's War by Nina Bawden is a poignant children's book which examines the impact of war and displacement on children. Although the subject is sombre, there is humour and warmth in the story. Eleven-year old Carrie and her younger brother, Nick are evacuated from London during the Second World War and sent to a small Welsh village where they meet the mysterious Hepzibah who may or may not be a white witch. Published in 1973, this is a coming-of-age story and Carrie is a particularly charismatic central character. I've been restricting myself to a chapter a night this week because I didn't want the story to end.
Friday, 7 November 2008
Carrie's War
Carrie's War by Nina Bawden is a poignant children's book which examines the impact of war and displacement on children. Although the subject is sombre, there is humour and warmth in the story. Eleven-year old Carrie and her younger brother, Nick are evacuated from London during the Second World War and sent to a small Welsh village where they meet the mysterious Hepzibah who may or may not be a white witch. Published in 1973, this is a coming-of-age story and Carrie is a particularly charismatic central character. I've been restricting myself to a chapter a night this week because I didn't want the story to end.
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7 comments:
The evacuation of children during the War has certainly made for some amazing books. I only discovered 'Carrie's War' (through my sister) a year or so ago. Also loved 'Goodnight Mister Tom' (one of my all-time favorites) and 'Doreen' (an absolute must-read from Persephone). K x
I'd heard of this book of course but had no idea (or it hadn't registered) that it was about evacuation during the war. Must search it out now. Have you read Saplings by Noel Streatfeild? I'm sure you have but if not it's about how a middle class family fall to pieces because of the war and focusses mainly on the children. I thought it was brilliant. (It's a Persephone.)
Kristina, I haven't read Goodnight Mr Tom. I'm always interested stories that focus on the evacuation of children during the war so I'm going to get a copy.
Cath, I think you would really enjoy Carrie's War. Yes, I've read Saplings and it is brilliant -I was so sorry for poor little Tuesday. I'm currently studying for an MA in children's lit and I'm thinking of doing a research project on Noel Streatfeild.
Nicola
Nicola, I picked up a copy of Carrie's War in Exeter's main library (I actually live in Tiverton) on Wednesday. Looking forward to reading it.
What a fascinating subject to do an MA in! I hope it goes well.
Cath, don't forget to post your review! Nicola
You may be interested to know that my Dad has written a memoir of his experience of being evacuated to Folkestone and then Tredegar, Wales. He and his sister were called back to London and shortly afterwards his school was bombed in a day-light raid, that became one of the most notorious attacks of the war. 30 children were killed, including my Aunt and my Dad was seriously injured. He recalls evacuation, the attack and his experience of rehabilitation. See:http://www.ericbradybooks.co.uk/
I think your book is the best because in reading it at school
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