September 1939.
When Jimmy is evacuated to a small village in Wales, it couldn't be more different from London. Green, quiet and full of strangers, he instantly feels out of place.
But then he finds a skull hidden in a tree, and suddenly the valley is more frightening than the war. Who can Jimmy trust? His brother is too little; his best friend has changed.
Finding an ally in someone he never expects, they set out together to uncover the secrets that lie with the skull. What they discover will change Jimmy – and the village – forever.
A mesmerising mystery about bravery and brotherhood from an outstanding new voice.
I've read a couple of WWII evacuee novels recently. This one is lovely; fabulous tone, wonderful characters, descriptions so good I was almost there in Wales.
It's so hard for us to imagine, nowadays, what it must have been like for the evacuated children. And, indeed, what it was like for their host families and towns. This book does a wonderful job at showing us how it felt, how hard it was for everyone and how good it was for some of them. Jimmy, Ronnie and Flossie represent three kinds of child - eager, reluctant and far better off in the new place.
The language is great, simple enough for a child without being condescending or off putting. I love the way the chapter header illustration changes a little as the story goes on - I didn't actually realise until about the third change, and after that I was watching eagerly, waiting to see if something new had arrived. It's a great little touch.
I cried during the story, that's all I'm gonna say about that.
A brilliant read - if your child is just a little too young for Goodnight Mr Tom, this is the one to go for.
The Valley of Lost Secrets published on the 7th January, 2021. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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