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Wave Me Goodbye
September, 1939. As the Second World War begins, ten-year-old Shirley is sent away on a train with her schoolmates. She doesn’t know where she’s going, or what’s going to happen to her when she gets there. All she has been told is that she’s going on ‘a little holiday’.
Shirley is billeted in the country, with two boys from East End London, Kevin and Archie – and their experiences living in the strange, half-empty Red House, with the mysterious and reclusive Mrs Waverley, will change their lives for ever.
Award-winning, bestselling and beloved author Jacqueline Wilson turns to this period of history for the first time, in this beautiful, moving story of friendship and bravery against the backdrop of the worst conflict the world has ever known.
Shirley is billeted in the country, with two boys from East End London, Kevin and Archie – and their experiences living in the strange, half-empty Red House, with the mysterious and reclusive Mrs Waverley, will change their lives for ever.
Award-winning, bestselling and beloved author Jacqueline Wilson turns to this period of history for the first time, in this beautiful, moving story of friendship and bravery against the backdrop of the worst conflict the world has ever known.
464 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2017
149 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
About the author
Jacqueline Wilson
399 books5,692 followersJacqueline Wilson was born in Bath in 1945, but spent most of her childhood in Kingston-on-Thames. She always wanted to be a writer and wrote her first ‘novel’ when she was nine, filling in countless Woolworths’ exercise books as she grew up. As a teenager she started work for a magazine publishing company and then went on to work as a journalist on Jackie magazine (which she was told was named after her!) before turning to writing novels full-time.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
One of Jacqueline’s most successful and enduring creations has been the famous Tracy Beaker, who first appeared in 1991 in The Story of Tracy Beaker. This was also the first of her books to be illustrated by Nick Sharratt. Since then Jacqueline has been on countless awards shortlists and has gone on to win many awards. The Illustrated Mum won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Award, the 1999 Children’s Book of the Year at the British Book Awards and was also shortlisted for the 1999 Whitbread Children’s Book Award.
Double Act won the prestigious Smarties Medal and the Children’s Book Award as well as being highly commended for the Carnegie Medal. The Story of Tracy Beaker won the 2002 Blue Peter People’s Choice Award.
Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. She has sold millions of books and in the UK alone the total now stands at over 35 million!
In 2002 Jacqueline was awarded the OBE for services to literacy in schools and from 2005 to 2007 she was the Children’s Laureate. In 2008 she became Dame Jacqueline Wilson.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
July 23, 2017
I'm torn between whether this is a 2.5 or a 3.5 read and whether I missed the boat because 'm not 9-12 or whether this book did just have quite a lot of issues.
Hm.
Hm.
May 20, 2024
Another Jacqueline Wilson book that doesn't fail to disappoint.
July 22, 2017
This is classic Jacqueline Wilson, and a tribute to her continued appeal and talent as a storyteller even after all these years. When I was a child, I absolutely devoured each and every one of her books, but this tailed off as I got older. I'd tried to get into a couple of her more recent endeavours (Hetty Feather, Clover Moon, etc.) and hadn't had any luck getting sucked in. I thought that perhaps this was due to them being set in the past (even though one of my childhood favourites was The Lottie Project!), but I thoroughly enjoyed the WWII setting of Wave Me Goodbye. The story is engaging, and the writing familiar yet original. It always surprises me how well Wilson manages to communicate the feelings of younger children; the characters are very relatable, even now I'm 24! It's in no way inappropriate or unsuitable for its target audience, but there are elements to the plot that only older readers will understand fully, which spreads its appeal even more. Wilson is still a force to be reckoned with, and an author I'd wholeheartedly recommend to young readers.
April 8, 2018
When ten year old Shirley thinks she's going on holiday to the country she thinks her Mum is going too, until it dawns she's going alone, evacuated because of the imminent war.
On the train she is sat next to Jessica, a St Agatha's convent girl where they are looked after and taught by nuns to be proper ladies though the other girls on the train from that school are mean to Jessica and Shirley but they still become form friends quickly.
Upon arriving in the countryside, Jessica and Shirley have to split up as they aren't going to stay at the same places, it unsettled them but they promise to stay friends. Shirley winds up left with a few other children and so they're forced into villagers with rooms. Shirley ends up also placed with Kevin a boy who's also ten but very tall and Archie a young bald boy. They stay with the mysterious Chubby, a bossy housekeeper and her friend Lady Waverley.
In the countryside they still have to attend school and horrid Marilyn from back in London is also there though all the children are scared of their mean teacher who shouts a lot and uses threats of the cane style contraptions on the kids hands to keep them behaving.
Shirley later sends a postcard to her Mum which describes how it was on her first day and how horrible she found it, however it causes her Mum so much concern she travels to meet the women taking care of her daughter and is so horrified she wants to take Shirley to stay with her boss's relatives.
Mrs Waverly also lets Shirley in on her secret room and confides in her about why she keeps what she does in there, it is very moving only a situation involving Kevin and him then running away leads him and Shirley into a dangerous encounter.
Throughout the book, as expected from a novel set in wartime England, there's old time language and what would be considered minor swearing but time appropriate. There's mentions of objects from wartime England and the caricatures depicted the time and theme of the book tremendously. Shirley was a great character and she really earnt a place in my heart over how kind she was and cheeky when necessary!
I was super excited to read this book and it fulfilled my dreams of it being a great book once again from Jacqueline. It was an emotional journey and super realistic keep your tissues ready!
On the train she is sat next to Jessica, a St Agatha's convent girl where they are looked after and taught by nuns to be proper ladies though the other girls on the train from that school are mean to Jessica and Shirley but they still become form friends quickly.
Upon arriving in the countryside, Jessica and Shirley have to split up as they aren't going to stay at the same places, it unsettled them but they promise to stay friends. Shirley winds up left with a few other children and so they're forced into villagers with rooms. Shirley ends up also placed with Kevin a boy who's also ten but very tall and Archie a young bald boy. They stay with the mysterious Chubby, a bossy housekeeper and her friend Lady Waverley.
In the countryside they still have to attend school and horrid Marilyn from back in London is also there though all the children are scared of their mean teacher who shouts a lot and uses threats of the cane style contraptions on the kids hands to keep them behaving.
Shirley later sends a postcard to her Mum which describes how it was on her first day and how horrible she found it, however it causes her Mum so much concern she travels to meet the women taking care of her daughter and is so horrified she wants to take Shirley to stay with her boss's relatives.
Mrs Waverly also lets Shirley in on her secret room and confides in her about why she keeps what she does in there, it is very moving only a situation involving Kevin and him then running away leads him and Shirley into a dangerous encounter.
Throughout the book, as expected from a novel set in wartime England, there's old time language and what would be considered minor swearing but time appropriate. There's mentions of objects from wartime England and the caricatures depicted the time and theme of the book tremendously. Shirley was a great character and she really earnt a place in my heart over how kind she was and cheeky when necessary!
I was super excited to read this book and it fulfilled my dreams of it being a great book once again from Jacqueline. It was an emotional journey and super realistic keep your tissues ready!
June 17, 2017
The author gives a fascinating view of the lives of thousands of children who were evacuated from London to the countryside during WWII. In 1939, the threat of Germany bombing London and other major cities caused the decision to send children to safety in rural areas.
This traumatic separation from parents and home is vividly portrayed in Wave Me Goodbye through the main character, ten-year-old Shirley. Her train journey from London includes hundreds of other evacuated children and details their arrival in a small village. There’s an embarrassing selection process where the youngsters are lined up in a hall and strangers choose the children they want to take home. Shirley is mortified when no-one picks either her or two odd-looking boys.
Eventually, Shirley and both boys are reluctantly taken in by two older women who live in a rundown house on the outskirts of the village. The eccentric women are a strange pair with a mysterious past. Shirley and the boys form a cautious bond and learn how to exist together in the unusual household. They develop an understanding of each other’s troubled backgrounds and gain strength from their shared experiences.
All the supporting characters are well-written and believable; each has their own interesting tale that unfolds throughout the storyline. This well-researched, skilfully written novel for intermediate-aged readers holds interest right from the start to the satisfying conclusion.
Reviewed by Jean Bennett (Bookrapt)
This traumatic separation from parents and home is vividly portrayed in Wave Me Goodbye through the main character, ten-year-old Shirley. Her train journey from London includes hundreds of other evacuated children and details their arrival in a small village. There’s an embarrassing selection process where the youngsters are lined up in a hall and strangers choose the children they want to take home. Shirley is mortified when no-one picks either her or two odd-looking boys.
Eventually, Shirley and both boys are reluctantly taken in by two older women who live in a rundown house on the outskirts of the village. The eccentric women are a strange pair with a mysterious past. Shirley and the boys form a cautious bond and learn how to exist together in the unusual household. They develop an understanding of each other’s troubled backgrounds and gain strength from their shared experiences.
All the supporting characters are well-written and believable; each has their own interesting tale that unfolds throughout the storyline. This well-researched, skilfully written novel for intermediate-aged readers holds interest right from the start to the satisfying conclusion.
Reviewed by Jean Bennett (Bookrapt)
April 28, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and couldn't stop reading! Its probably one of my favourite books and not only was it a good story, but it also is very educational. I really loved this book and would definitely recommend it. It teaches you what life was like for children during world war two and it was very interesting. I ABSOLUTELY loved this book.
December 16, 2021
It was a wonderfully developed story. It was really weird to read s book
written by a British author. But it was really interesting to hear from that point of view. Still it was kind of childish and I would reccomend it for a 4th our 5th grader. At the end I feel like a little rushed and unrealistic. But all in all a good book.
written by a British author. But it was really interesting to hear from that point of view. Still it was kind of childish and I would reccomend it for a 4th our 5th grader. At the end I feel like a little rushed and unrealistic. But all in all a good book.
June 18, 2017
I loved this book it was soooooooooo good I would like to read it again
December 6, 2018
This was actually quite an enjoyable novel! I didn't feel hooked on the novel until about 150 pages in... Lovely read!
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars.
June 26, 2017
Wave me goodbye is going to take its place among the best books of this type, I think.
Jacqueline Wilson writes with humour, insight, compassion and understanding. Her characters all are credible and engaging.
When Shirley’s mum says she’s going on holiday, at first Shirley is excited – but then the reality of what kind of a holiday it will be hits home, and she is by turns reluctant, scared and angry about having to leave her mother in London. But off she goes, in her red patent leather shoes (!) with her suitcase too heavy to manage because instead of packing one book, she packed her whole library. What a heroine!
However the reality of being billeted in a country village hits home when the residents are asked to select the kids they are willing to take in. Of course there are more kids than available beds and it all gets quite dramatic as Shirley and the two remaining – and unprepossessing – boys are virtually forced on to an unwilling ( and reclusive) hostess.
I don’t want to give away the plot, so will confine myself to saying that despite an ill-advised escape (complete with gun!) all turns out well.
Many themes run through this excellent story, but what develops very strongly is Shirley’s ability to understand the perspectives of others and to be aware of how circumstances can shape us.
Jacqueline Wilson writes with humour, insight, compassion and understanding. Her characters all are credible and engaging.
When Shirley’s mum says she’s going on holiday, at first Shirley is excited – but then the reality of what kind of a holiday it will be hits home, and she is by turns reluctant, scared and angry about having to leave her mother in London. But off she goes, in her red patent leather shoes (!) with her suitcase too heavy to manage because instead of packing one book, she packed her whole library. What a heroine!
However the reality of being billeted in a country village hits home when the residents are asked to select the kids they are willing to take in. Of course there are more kids than available beds and it all gets quite dramatic as Shirley and the two remaining – and unprepossessing – boys are virtually forced on to an unwilling ( and reclusive) hostess.
I don’t want to give away the plot, so will confine myself to saying that despite an ill-advised escape (complete with gun!) all turns out well.
Many themes run through this excellent story, but what develops very strongly is Shirley’s ability to understand the perspectives of others and to be aware of how circumstances can shape us.
February 13, 2018
I think this book was a bit muddled. I was a disappointed at the ending I mean it leaves us thinking what will happen next. The story is a set nicely but for Jacqueline Wilson the wording is a bit plain. Yes I know back in the 19’s the language was different but even still... I’ve read other books that are old and the scenes were described vividly. This book did not create much of a picture for me.
July 12, 2018
I bought this as a present for my niece but decided to read it myself as it seemed such a good storyline
I have to say I really enjoyed it
As an adult I’ve never read any Jacqueline Wilson but found it very well written and a good way for young children to read of what life was like for adults and children during the Blitz in Britain
I have to say I really enjoyed it
As an adult I’ve never read any Jacqueline Wilson but found it very well written and a good way for young children to read of what life was like for adults and children during the Blitz in Britain
December 26, 2022
2.75 stars.
Hmmm it’s strange how she can write such wonderful characters and well paced plots sometimes, then other times it’s kinda just generic.
This one is set in WW2 as children were being evacuated to the countryside. I thought it would be quite sad but really it was more silly and predictable.
The characters are fine, they don’t really change at all, it’s all pretty one note. We do learn about them as time goes on but it’s not really anything interesting.
It also just skips over basically all of the war stuff, like why is it even set in that time when it doesn’t factor in? I mean I guess it does in a way, that’s why they’re there. But that’s it! The whole thing felt like a lead up to the story, but no? It just ends before it kicks off.
Meh not one I’d recommend, not mad at it but it was dry. It is a children’s book but there’s much better ones from Jacquline Wilson, go with them instead!
Hmmm it’s strange how she can write such wonderful characters and well paced plots sometimes, then other times it’s kinda just generic.
This one is set in WW2 as children were being evacuated to the countryside. I thought it would be quite sad but really it was more silly and predictable.
The characters are fine, they don’t really change at all, it’s all pretty one note. We do learn about them as time goes on but it’s not really anything interesting.
It also just skips over basically all of the war stuff, like why is it even set in that time when it doesn’t factor in? I mean I guess it does in a way, that’s why they’re there. But that’s it! The whole thing felt like a lead up to the story, but no? It just ends before it kicks off.
Meh not one I’d recommend, not mad at it but it was dry. It is a children’s book but there’s much better ones from Jacquline Wilson, go with them instead!
September 18, 2021
No one, I repeat, no one can depict a child coming into contact with adult reality the way Jacqueline Wilson can.
January 2, 2024
It’s so hard for me to judge this book compared to other books because I just think Jacqueline Wilson is a genius and have done since I was about 8 years old (I’m 26 now *shudders*). This is objectively a great kids book and objectively a great story about evacuees, the Second World War etc. My mate Jacky is soooo good at writing children who lie and children who are selfish and mean etc but in such true pure childlike ways where they don’t mean it, they are just children! It’s soooo good. I loved young Kevin and I loved Chubby ❤️ now I work with kids this is all somehow more meaningful to me!!! Kids are like this! They are mostly kind but they are just babies! They make mistakes! They only really are able to care about themselves to some extent! They don’t know the complexities of being human! And guess what! Neither do the adults!!!! Wilson portrays all of that feeling so so well I love her so much. I will be reading as much of her as I can in 2024!!! Want to recommend this to my kids soooo badly but they are 5/6 years old and only about 3 of them can read so!
December 15, 2021
An enjoyable read reminiscent of JW’s early books! The ending felt a little flat to me - I felt Mrs Waverleys character could have been developed a little more as well as Shirley’s mother, but this was still an interesting read with some twists and turns.
I have to be honest - I found Kevin much more of an interesting character than the main protagonist Shirley, which brings this down to a three stars - he had hints of a much richer backstory that I would loved to have learnt more about.
If you enjoy light historical reads, and are curious about what the lives children being shipped off to the countryside during the war then this is a nice little read.
I have to be honest - I found Kevin much more of an interesting character than the main protagonist Shirley, which brings this down to a three stars - he had hints of a much richer backstory that I would loved to have learnt more about.
If you enjoy light historical reads, and are curious about what the lives children being shipped off to the countryside during the war then this is a nice little read.
April 28, 2018
Review to follow.
December 23, 2017
Evacuees: another subject that I never get tired of reading about! It's just such an interesting situation, ASKING to be dramatised in fiction really. Kids being whisked away from their parents and randomly slotted into other people's families, adjusting to life in the country after growing up in the city, living with total strangers, overcrowded little country villages rationing and making do, resentment and suspicion, everyone secretly terrified and uncertain because of the war.
Now I feel like I'm being a bit insensitive, it's interesting for me but was often sad and horrible for them! Must have been incredibly difficult to be separated from your parents at such a young age with no idea whether you'd see them again. And lots never did.
Anyway, I enjoyed the story. I really like the way Jaqueline Wilson writes, she has such a good grasp on the way kids think - the things they fear and worry about and their rich imaginary life. Gave me childhood flashbacks a bit, like Shirley I was a weird and bookish kid given to daydreaming. Some of the details about Chubby and Miss Madelaine that came out at the end were possibly a bit... too old for the intended readers? Not inappropriate really, just kind of adult themes. But realistic I guess.
Now I feel like I'm being a bit insensitive, it's interesting for me but was often sad and horrible for them! Must have been incredibly difficult to be separated from your parents at such a young age with no idea whether you'd see them again. And lots never did.
Anyway, I enjoyed the story. I really like the way Jaqueline Wilson writes, she has such a good grasp on the way kids think - the things they fear and worry about and their rich imaginary life. Gave me childhood flashbacks a bit, like Shirley I was a weird and bookish kid given to daydreaming. Some of the details about Chubby and Miss Madelaine that came out at the end were possibly a bit... too old for the intended readers? Not inappropriate really, just kind of adult themes. But realistic I guess.
March 26, 2019
Set in 1939, Shirley is evacuated to the country where everything is of new customs. Living with two unruly boys will not be easy for her and she definitely is not a favourite of chubby (the house keeper of the woman who took her in.) Know her struggles and her joys as you follow along with her journey through the war.
This book made me think about how important it is that we remind ourselves to be bold and stand tall when Shirley said “I put both my thumbs under my chin and pushed upwards. Chin up, Shirley, I commanded”
The author is teaching us this because we need to be capable of reminding ourselves that we are amazing the way we are and that there is no reason to feel bad about ourselves.
This is important because generally in high school years we have low self-esteem. We need to keep pushing ourselves to keep going and do our best at everything.
-Set in a Historical Period
This book made me think about how important it is that we remind ourselves to be bold and stand tall when Shirley said “I put both my thumbs under my chin and pushed upwards. Chin up, Shirley, I commanded”
The author is teaching us this because we need to be capable of reminding ourselves that we are amazing the way we are and that there is no reason to feel bad about ourselves.
This is important because generally in high school years we have low self-esteem. We need to keep pushing ourselves to keep going and do our best at everything.
-Set in a Historical Period
September 22, 2019
Very much Jacqueline Wilson's writing style so it was easy to fall into as we've read all of her other books. This wasn't quite what I was expecting, in a good way, as it told the story of being an evacuee with a different experience than I've seen in other children's books about the same subject. I think it's good to show the difficulties some children faced and the difference between how children of different social classes were treated. It wasn't all doom and gloom but did touch on difficult issues that people would have been facing at the time, like losing a loved one in the war or worrying about parents back home or away fighting. We enjoyed this book, as we have enjoyed her other books, and it was especially interesting to read while learning about WWII
July 31, 2018
Enjoyable, easy read- can never go wring with a children's book, particularly if it's written by Jacqueline Wilson.
I love the time period and was surprised that she hadn't explored it before now, I'm sure it will be written about by her again before long!
The storyline was well thought out with a lot of things happening, I found myself shocked by how many pages I'd read each time I stopped to check. However the characters weren't the best, Jessica in particular annoyed me quite a bit- as well as Shirley numerous times.
All in all, another successful book by JW!
I love the time period and was surprised that she hadn't explored it before now, I'm sure it will be written about by her again before long!
The storyline was well thought out with a lot of things happening, I found myself shocked by how many pages I'd read each time I stopped to check. However the characters weren't the best, Jessica in particular annoyed me quite a bit- as well as Shirley numerous times.
All in all, another successful book by JW!
June 18, 2017
Such a lovely story. Great well rounded characters with real development - it totally sucked me in!
February 27, 2018
Good but dont like how on the chapters it shows what will happen so you can tell what will happen next. But good book like the time it was sent in.
June 28, 2018
Boring as HELL
November 6, 2018
A typical Jacqueline Wilson book ... great flow , great plot moving characters. I loved the well captured atmosphere of the ups and downs of life in the second world war .
February 23, 2020
This is much too long.
April 7, 2022
love how this book is written, i enjoy the descriptions of the place. the ending always leaves me wanting to hear more!
April 21, 2021
Tak a je to tady. První kniha od této autorky, které dávám méně než plný počet hvězdiček. Sice jsem měla dilema (kvůli konci, kterým často podléhám), ale musím hodnotit celek. Zdálo se mi, že tahle kniha byla o něco slabší než ostatní knihy od téhle autorky, protože tam vlastně nebyla žádná cílová zápletka a bylo to vlastně jenom takové vyprávění. Řekla jsem si, že teď budu číst hlavně knihy, co jsou pro mladší, ať potom nejsem zklamaná jenom kvůli omezení věkové kategorie. Tahle kniha byla od desíti do třinácti let, ale já sama vlastně vůbec nevím od kolika let bych tuhle knihu doporučila, ale myslím, že kdyby si ji přečetla většina dospělých, tak je to pro ně takové milé počtení na oddech v době, která pro nikoho nebyla vůbec jednoduchá. Takže myslím, že podobný názor jako ten můj. Jacqueline Wilsonová ještě nepsala knihu, která se odehrávala v tomhle období, ale psala o viktoriánské době a ta série o Hetty se mi strašně moc líbila, takže jsem si myslela, že tohle bude stejně nebo podobně dobré. Ale bohužel nebylo, protože (jak už jsem asi psala) tam nebyla žádná cílová zápletka, jenom takové vyprávění. Ale to vyprávění se mi víceméně líbilo. Protože je to přece jenom Wilsonová a to její umění vžít se do těch postav je až neuvěřitelné. Někde asi v druhé třetině knihy to trochu vypadalo, že se to bude ubírat detektivním směrem, ale nakonec ne. Ale bylo by zajímavé, kdyby Jacqueline zkusila i tento žánr. Když už jsem nakousla ty postavy, tak bychom se k nim mohli přesunout. Hlavní hrdinka Shirley si občas na něco postěžovala, ale byla fajn. Přece jenom byla asi o čtyři roky mladší než já, ale na svůj věk toho věděla hodně. A taky jsme si "rozuměly" díky tomu, že má ráda knihy a moc ráda čte. Byla hodná a slušná, ale uměla si stát za svým. Ne s každým si rozuměla, ale kamarády si najít dokázala. Její matka mi připadala, že ji strašně omezuje a že si neváží toho, že má tak chytrou dceru. Protože jí např. říkala, že neustále leží jenom v knihách a mám pocit, že tam někde zmínila i to, že jí na jedničky říká, že by s takovou velkou chytrostí už měla přestat nebo něco takového...takže tu jsem fakt ráda neměla. Pak přišla na scénu Jessika, u které se mi zdálo, že se občas trochu povyšovala, ale jinak byla hodná. K posmívajícím se vrstevníkům se asi ani nebudu vyjadřovat, jenom asi poznamenám, že musí mít nějaký problém sami se sebou, nebo fakt nevím, proč se tak hnusně chovají. Navíc Marylin potom měla ještě díky svému vzhledu a falešnému hezkému vystupování super reputaci u učitelů, což mě naštvalo ještě víc. Když Shirley přijela na venkov, tak mi ji bylo vážně strašně líto, jak si ji nikdo nevybral, přitom nechápu proč. Tady jde zřejmě vidět, že lidé soudí podle vzhledu, přitom Shirley, Kevin a Archie jsou naprosto skvělí. Kevin sice vypadá na neposlušného kluka, ale není takový. Je hodný, sice nemehlo, ale za to nemůže a v rodině to musel mít vážně těžké. Archie taky vypadal, že nebude hodný, ale nakonec se ukázal, že je naopak moc hodný a roztomilý. Boubelka si ho oblíbila ze všech nejvíc, což mě štvalo, ale na konci se ukázalo, že si oblíbila všechny tři a měla o ně i strach. Byla celkem rázná, ale i tak hodná. Paní Waverlyová ze začátku vypadala jako nepodstatná postava, ale měla zajímavý příběh. Nepřipadala mi, že je úplně šílená, ale něco s ní určitě bylo. Je to smutné, ale hodně zapletené... Shirleyin táta byl snad nejrozumnější postava v celé knize, protože dokázal Kevinovi dát chuť do života a byl hrozně moc milý. Konec téhle knihy byl takový otevřený a celkem to vypadá, jako kdyby si autorka nechala prostor k dalšímu dílu. Tahle kniha nebyla vůbec špatná, ale taky ne úplně akční. Něco jako jedna velká povídka. Moc bych ale ocenila druhý díl. Tak uvidíme. Už se moc těším na další knihy od Jacqueline Wilson.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2018
I have always loved Jacqueline Wilson since I was a child. She's always been very good at setting up and demonstrating the values within different types of families.
I found there were somethings I liked about this book more than others. I particularly found the dialect very refreshing especially the way people spoke rather than the diversity of Cockney versus Country speak. I did feel sorry for the last three not being picked but I suspect that this was common with so many children that were evacuated due to the politics of it all. A lot of families would already have felt the pinch and obviously might have taken this feeling out on the children in their care. Thankfully most of the children in this book were looked after quite well, though I felt that Kevin got a rough ride but he managed to make it through.
I didn't always like Jessica, I found her a little bit nasty at times, quite self centred and only after her own interests but by the end of the book I was happy to hear she was restored to her nice old self again, like the girl we had met on the train.
I found Shirley sometimes to be a bit spoilt, but maybe because she hadn't really had much and also with the freedom from being away from the order of her Mother, this created something strong willed in Shirley.
I can see Kevin and Shirley always being great friends and maybe even something more as they get older. I hope there is room and time for their stories to develop into something more as I felt the story ended quite abruptly.
I found there were somethings I liked about this book more than others. I particularly found the dialect very refreshing especially the way people spoke rather than the diversity of Cockney versus Country speak. I did feel sorry for the last three not being picked but I suspect that this was common with so many children that were evacuated due to the politics of it all. A lot of families would already have felt the pinch and obviously might have taken this feeling out on the children in their care. Thankfully most of the children in this book were looked after quite well, though I felt that Kevin got a rough ride but he managed to make it through.
I didn't always like Jessica, I found her a little bit nasty at times, quite self centred and only after her own interests but by the end of the book I was happy to hear she was restored to her nice old self again, like the girl we had met on the train.
I found Shirley sometimes to be a bit spoilt, but maybe because she hadn't really had much and also with the freedom from being away from the order of her Mother, this created something strong willed in Shirley.
I can see Kevin and Shirley always being great friends and maybe even something more as they get older. I hope there is room and time for their stories to develop into something more as I felt the story ended quite abruptly.
January 1, 2018
It having been quite along while since I've read a Jacqueline Wilson book, I'd forgotten that her books aren't as fluffy as Nick Sharratt's wonderful cover designs and illustrations may make you believe. She writes with the wonder of a child's view of the world but without talking down to them - the darkness of the big wide world is not always fully understood but always acknowledged. (There is a sequence, for example later on in the book, with Shirley and Kevin, involving hitch-hiking. It's written with an air of subtle menace and whilst the subtext is lost on the children, for the reader, immediate alarm bells start ringing, prompting a huge sigh of relief when they escape unscathed.) The ending is a beautifully hopeful but also poignant one - as the story ends just before WWII starts in earnest. And so you find yourself fervently hoping that all the characters you've come to know manage to come through what you know is to come. If you love Jacqueline Wilson's books, of course give this a read. If, like me, it's been a while, I also recommend you give it a go as you may find yourself delightfully surprised.
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