LoveReading4Kids Says
Described as a companion piece, rather than a sequel, to the acclaimed Skylark’s War, it is nevertheless a real joy to meet some of the original characters again, but new readers fear not, this book absolutely stands alone. I think that this author is unsurpassed in character development, with every wonderfully economic, but beautifully crafted phrase or fragment of dialogue we are drawn deeper into these young lives.
At first overshadowed by the threat of war and then trying to survive within it are cousins Ruby Amaryllis and Kate and across the channel and on the other side of the conflict, best friends Hans and Erik, who bond initially over saving orphaned fledgling swallows. Indeed swallows become a motif for hope throughout the book. Another real strength of the writing is in depicting recognisably real family dynamics and relationships. As the war tears families apart, we see how the strength of family can also bring people together. The multiple perspectives (including eventually Dog, the mistreated scrapyard dog abandoned in the Blitz) build a really rich and unbiased picture of lives gradually and increasingly impacted by war.
Allowing readers to empathise with the different plights on each side of the conflict is a real asset for those studying the history of the period and whilst not skirting over or underplaying any of the true horrors of war, the underlying message is one of hope in the capacity of humanity to show compassion across all borders and barriers. Sensitive, perceptive and immensely powerful, this superb novel is a beautifully polished gem that will leave an indelible impression on the reader.
Joy Court
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The Swallows' Flight Synopsis
From the Costa Award-winning author Hilary McKay, comes a moving World War II story of family and friendship on opposite sides of a devastating conflict. The Swallows' Flight is the stunning companion novel to The Skylarks' War.
'It's not necessary to have read The Skylarks' War (though many beloved characters make reappearances) to be instantly and joyfully lost in this evocative, moving novel, showing McKay at the very top of her game.' - Imogen Russell-Williams, The Guardian
'Funny, poignant, wise and emotional. Full of achingly real characters (and also an excellent dog) . . . I eked out the final pages, not wanting it to end.' - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller
Erik and Hans are German boys. Ruby and Kate are English girls. They grow up in worlds that would never meet, until war tumbles their lives together.
Then one September afternoon there are choices to be made.
How is courage lost, and found?
Who is really the enemy?
And what does friendship truly mean, in the middle of a war?
Meanwhile Rupert and Clarry work secretly for peace - and a brighter future for them all . . .
'. . . a resounding success. . . McKay refuses to dumb down the history, writing with such clarity and understanding that you can't fail to be caught up in the cares of her loveable cast.' - Alex O'Connell, The Times Book of the Week
'McKay is a glutinously atmospheric writer, and this dense, action-packed saga - written during lockdown - is every bit as satisfying as its predecessor.' Emily Bearn, The Telegraph
'Separately and together, The Skylarks' War and The Swallows' Flight are pinnacles of children's literature.' -Nicolette Jones, The Sunday Times Book of the Week
'Meticulously researched, intelligent, warm and witty - this is McKay at her peerless peak.' Sally Morris, The Daily Mail
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781529033342 |
| Publication date: |
31st March 2022 |
| Author: |
Hilary McKay |
| Publisher: |
Macmillan Children's Books an imprint of Pan Macmillan |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
293 pages |
