I am so delighted to be part of The Bird in the Bamboo Cage blog tour by Hazel Gaynor, as not only does the book cover look stunning but the synopsis really captured my heart and I know I am in for an emotional read.
'Beautiful … warm, loveable characters who had me rooting for them all the way' Tracy Rees
'An absolute treat' Liz Nugent
‘Moving and authentic’ Dinah Jefferies
‘Vivid, heart-rending and so, so beautiful’ Jenny Ashcroft
SYNOPSIS:
War imprisoned them, friendship set them free.
China, 1941. With Japan’s declaration of war on the Allies, Elspeth Kent’s future changes forever. When soldiers take control of the missionary school where she teaches, comfortable security is replaced by rationing, uncertainty and fear.
Ten-year-old Nancy Plummer has always felt safe at Chefoo School. Now the enemy, separated indefinitely from anxious parents, the children must turn to their teachers – to Miss Kent and her new Girl Guide patrol especially – for help. But worse is to come when the pupils and teachers are sent to a distant internment camp. Unimaginable hardship, impossible choices and danger lie ahead.
Inspired by true events, this is the unforgettable story of the life-changing bonds formed between a young girl and her teacher, in a remote corner of a terrible war.
MY THOUGHTS:
What an absolutely delightful book this is, don't get me wrong sometimes the subject matter is disturbing and hard to read at times but ultimately this is a story of hope, resilience and of never giving up.
The story alternates between Elspeth, a teacher at Chefoo School and Nancy, a pupil boarding at the school. It was so interesting to hear the story through both of these characters and their own perspective of the events taking place. The year 1941, Nancy has just been told she won't be reunited with her parents over the Christmas period and will need to remain at the school. Heartbroken that she won't see her parents for another year she tries to remain upbeat knowing that her brother and best friend will also be there at the school during Christmas. Then war breaks out! Japan declare war on the British Empire and the United States of America. And then the soldiers arrive. I so desperately felt for both Elspeth and Nancy, what an impossible situation to find yourself in.
As the chapters flow we hear of the brutality of war and the abuse from some of the soldiers; their fight for survival as they are uprooted several times and the challenges they face each day. What was so lovely was the relationships between the children and their teachers. These teachers, most of them young, had no choice but to play many roles in the children's lives: that of carer, parent, nurse and educator. The strength Elspeth maintained throughout these dark years was phenomenal. Her determination to provide as stable an environment as she could, in the circumstances and to keep a regular structure for the children in her care was commendable. You also hear of Elspeth's own backstory and the personal struggles she faces on a day to day basis.
Throughout the book years pass and it is heartbreaking to hear how the children's childhood changes drastically in that time. Once innocent and care-free now cautious to the potential dangers around them and having to grow up quickly whilst depriving their developing bodies of the nutrients they so desperately need. Through the support of the adults around them the children manage to remain optimistic, develop lasting friendships and share moments of laughter and joy.
This was definitely the emotional read I was expecting, the story line and characters constantly tugging on my heartstrings. This was such a beautifully written novel that I couldn't help getting caught up in the events taking place, from the cruelty dished out by the soldiers to the defining moments of survival. The ending was very touching and simply perfect. I loved how we meet Nancy 30 years later and discover what happened to her and some of the others after the war ended. This book will stay with me for a long time having made such an imprint on my heart.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours and Harper Collins for inviting me to join the blog tour. A truly wonderful, touching book which I will treasure and highly recommend.
AUTHOR:
Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, and Irish Times, bestselling author of historical fiction, including her debut The Girl Who Came Home, for which she received the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award. The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter was shortlisted for the 2019 HWA Gold Crown award. She is published in thirteen languages and nineteen countries. Hazel is co-founder of creative writing events, The Inspiration Project, and currently lives in Ireland with her family, though originally from Yorkshire.
Published 20th August by HarperCollins Hardback | £12.00
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