Lizzie's Wish

Historical House #2

by Adèle Geras

On a visit to her cousins in London, Lizzie's passion for trees and plants is fuelled by a visit to the newly opened Kew Gardens. Like her cousin, who wants to defy her middle-class upbringing and become a nurse, Lizzie has the ambition and the will to go against the conventions of Victorian life and become a gardener.

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2004

About the author

Adèle Geras FRSL (born 15 March 1944) is an English writer for young children, teens and adults. Her husband was the Marxist academic Norman Geras and their daughter Sophie Hannah is also a novelist and poet.

Geras was born in Jerusalem, British Mandatory Palestine. Her father was in the Colonial Service and she had a varied childhood, living in countries such as Nigeria, Cyprus, Tanzania, Gambia and British North Borneo in a short span of time. She attended Roedean School in Brighton and then graduated from St Hilda's College, Oxford with a degree in Modern Languages. She was known for her stage and vocal talents, but decided instead to become a full-time writer.

Geras's first book was Tea at Mrs Manderby's, which was published in 1976. Her first full-length novel was The Girls in the Velvet Frame. She has written more than 95 books for children, young adults, and adults. Her best-known books are Troy (shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize and Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal) Ithaka, Happy Ever After (previously published as the Egerton Hall Trilogy), Silent Snow, Secret Snow, and A Thousand Yards of Sea.

Her novels for adults include: Facing the Light, Hester's Story, Made in Heaven, and A Hidden Life.

Geras won two prizes in the United States, one the Sydney Taylor Book Award for the My Grandmother's Stories and the National Jewish Book Award for Golden Windows. She has also won prizes for her poetry and was a joint winner of the Smith Doorstop Poetry Pamphlet Award, offered by the publisher of that name.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Lana Baldwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

lizzies wish is the second of the series of books i am reading
i really enjoyed it as i did with the last of the series
i could never put this lovely book down! and i didnt!!!!!
all i could ever think about was reading the book as it was so good and i couldnt wait to figure out what was gong to happen next!
i really do reccomend this book!!
Lana

[Mary L'hommedieu · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is set in the early 19oo's and is one of those follow your dream books is very good.

[Sienna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet story.

[Basil · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book! I loved it! ❤ 💙 💜

[Becky Pirkle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably one of my favorites in the Historical House series so far. I loved that the plot contained a degree of suspense as readers wait to find out what happened to Lizzie’s mother. There were also several notable secondary characters. For example, Eli Bright was described in a way that made readers despise him; while, readers also came to love Uncle William as they see a different side of him other than the silent, brooding veteran that appears to almost be discounted by the other members of his family. I also appreciated the symbolism of the walnut and how it’s growth coincided with Lizzie’s growing ability to trust her own instincts. My only complaint is that I wish Lizzie could have taken a more active role in helping Clara save Baby Johnny. I would recommend this book to adolescent girls who are interested in history.

[Joelzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Historical House series. I really enjoyed the first book sadly this second installment was not as entertaining. I liked the writing style, and some aspects of the story. It gave me "beginning of mansfield park" vibes. It was just a little plain. Not bad in anyway just......plain.

[Sinéad O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction easy to devour. It took me about 40 minutes to read. The facts were well organized. I recommend this book for younger readers.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely introduction to historical fiction for children in middle primary.

[Abigail G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story that felt a little unfinished at the end.

[Kara Kuehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Kyle]

its a great book i reaky love the story and i orderd the nect book i realy like it

[Faith Fawcett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really loving how the stories are connecting together and, just like the first book in the series, this too has a wonderful narrative voice.

[Neera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, I read this book in 1 sitting. Took me 40 minutes. If you want a historical fiction that is easy to read and also has true facts, I recommend this companion series. I believe the 3 authors put together a fantastic series:) If you are 7-13, I also believe you will find interest in this

[Joud Algorain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Lizzie because she is nice to plants. she had courage to ask here uncle about his missing eye and searching for truth about her stepfather.
She also helped her mother with her baby brother.

[Bookish Traveler]

I really enjoyed this book and the stories of 2 girls that lived at 6 Chelsea Walk in 2 different time periods. A great historical fiction read that got me back into reading after having to homeschool the kids during covid19!

[Maya (Bookshot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is for tweens (9-13)

This story gives us a flash of Victorian London. The reader gets an idea about the 19th-century lifestyle in England.

In the story, Lizzie travels to London in ‘train’, which made me quite curious about the transportation history of England. There are many instances that will make you look back into the history of early England.

Regarding the story, it is a simple family story with little turns here and there. Relationships are much valued in this family. It gives you a whole joint family vibe. It is a soothing read, you will feel good when you read the last page and close the book.

The only negative character in the book is Mr.Bright, Lizzie’s step father. But, his role is quite limited in the story. Overall the story gives out positive vibes.

[Amalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second of the The Historical House series. Each novel charts the life and times of the house at 6 Chelsea Walk, London, and the girls who lived there through three important periods of history. I've read other five so this is my final read and sadly the weakest. There really wasn't anything in the plot.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the bit where Lizzie speaks to Uncle William about the war, but otherwise, it's quite boring.

[Dian Turner baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read - but my least favourite of the series so far.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to reading about others who lived at No. 6, Chelsea Walk.

[Charlie Ottaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely short story, with well rounded characters and a good understanding of Victorian life.

[Chimpy · Rating 5 out of 5]

gripping

[Lizzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was promised more botany. And I thought the ending would be a little less wimpy, but I suppose that's how it was back then. Bit bored of the walnut tree by the end.