Here is another gripping World War II story from the author of Running with Ivan, a CBCA Notable book.
We first meet Klara Gold, a Jewish child, living in a Germany changing under Hitler’s leadership. Klara is mystified by the changing attitudes of the people around her. Then comes Kristallnacht and her mother’s shop is smashed. At school a new teacher instructs the children about race, Rassenkunde, ‘The Poles, the gypsies, and the lowest, the Jews, are all inferior.’ p55. Life gets worse and finally the police arrive, put them on a train to Gurs, an internment camp at the foot of the Pyrenees in southern France. The beautiful scenery of the world outside is in sharp contrast to the ugliness of their new home.
Klara’s story alternates with Lucien’s story. He is living in Paris with his parents, who are carefully watching events unfold. His mother is a Jew but has kept it secret. His life too spirals out of control and he and his mother also end up in Kurs. Lucien and Klara become friends, one of the few positives in their lives apart from the improvised school. Conditions on the whole are primitive with rules, regulations and restrictions governing their lives but the two children do manage to create some freedoms. When Klara gets a chance to leave the camp Lucien determines to follow her out.
Suzanne builds her story gradually detailing the changes brought about by a war that affects everybody’s life. She has obviously thoroughly researched Kurs as it is brought vividly to life. Klara and Lucien are passionate relatable characters, perfect advocates for peace, tolerance and acceptance, the dominant themes in this carefully structured novel.
Readers are given a side of life not often treated in children’s fiction. It could be read alongside Pamela Rushby’s Interned which is about children interned in Australia in 1914. Children will enjoy this timely story, full of incident, memorable characters, and humour that lightens the grim realities faced by the protagonists. It is a book that will reward classroom study and a teacher’s guide provides helpful insights.
Recommended for readers aged 10+ and for Reader’s Cup competitions
Here is another gripping World War II story from the author of Running with Ivan, a CBCA Notable book.
