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Faraway Island #3
Havets djup
I snart fyra år har Wienflickorna Steffi och hennes lillasyster Nelli varit i Sverige. Steffi går i läroverket i Göteborg, Nelli är kvar hos sin fosterfamilj. Steffi är snart sexton, på väg att bli vuxen. Hela livet ligger framför henne. Om bara kriget tog slut. Havets djup är den tredje delen av fyra i Annika Thors rosade serie om systrarna Steffi och Nelli.
6 pages, Audiobook
First published January 1, 1998
17 people are currently reading
393 people want to read
About the author
Annika Thor
46 books66 followersAnnika Thor grew up in a Jewish family in Gothenburg, Sweden, in the 1950s and 60s. She started work as a librarian and then went on to work as a film and television critic, and finally dedicated herself to writing books, plays, and screenplays for young people. She is one of Sweden’s best known authors for young people. Her books have been translated into many languages and have won many prizes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 23, 2018
I slipped right back into the story. I really enjoy spending time with Stephie & with all the people and storylines.
This third book definitely moved to of a more young adult than children’s book, though the main character and her storyline could still be considered a children’s book too and she remains naïve in a way that fits a middle grade book, but for at least one of the characters it’s not children’s but young adult, and a rather heavy duty ya in some ways. There is more loss in this book, in a couple types of ways.
It’s a great sister tale but I would have liked more interaction between the sisters here. It does make perfect sense though why there is less of that in this book than the first two books.
I was completely engrossed and loved everything about this story. I now consider the 4 book series one story. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to read the fourth book.
The only English language edition of book 4 I see as of now is a Kindle edition. I might have to break my “buy no books” policy if I can find it for extremely cheap, and get it, but I hope I’ll find a paper copy to read. It’s so popular in Sweden and it seems as though a tv mini-series was made based on it, so I’m surprised that the fourth book seems to hard to get in English and most other languages.
It’s often really arbitrary which books I give 4 vs. 5 stars. I’m surprised I continue to like this story in book 3 just as much as I did in books 1 and 2.
This third book definitely moved to of a more young adult than children’s book, though the main character and her storyline could still be considered a children’s book too and she remains naïve in a way that fits a middle grade book, but for at least one of the characters it’s not children’s but young adult, and a rather heavy duty ya in some ways. There is more loss in this book, in a couple types of ways.
It’s a great sister tale but I would have liked more interaction between the sisters here. It does make perfect sense though why there is less of that in this book than the first two books.
I was completely engrossed and loved everything about this story. I now consider the 4 book series one story. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to read the fourth book.
The only English language edition of book 4 I see as of now is a Kindle edition. I might have to break my “buy no books” policy if I can find it for extremely cheap, and get it, but I hope I’ll find a paper copy to read. It’s so popular in Sweden and it seems as though a tv mini-series was made based on it, so I’m surprised that the fourth book seems to hard to get in English and most other languages.
It’s often really arbitrary which books I give 4 vs. 5 stars. I’m surprised I continue to like this story in book 3 just as much as I did in books 1 and 2.
June 27, 2020
Stories set during times of war can squeeze the life out of your heart. Yet although this is a novel and not a memoir, it still shows how we can connect to the pain, abuse, and even loss of identity, when trying to adapt to the ills, circumstances, struggles, and survival during wartime.
Sisters Stephie and Nellie Steiner were sent to Sweden by their parents to escape the Nazi sweep of Jews in Vienna, Austria. Their parents, prisoners of war in Theresienstadt, a camp in Czechoslovakia can only return communications to them with a maximum of only 30 words on a postcard that does not have pictures on them.
Stephie and Nellie were taken in by different families, each with different experiences that manage to put a strain on their relationship. Stephie lives with her friend May, her parents, Aunt Tyra and Uncle Britten, and their large family in Standarna. Nellie, remains on with her foster parents, Auntie Alma and Uncle Sigurd, wanting to take on the identity of a Swedish girl instead of committing to her Jewish roots.
Stephie enjoys her studies but life is only getting more complicated as she gets older. She deals with nearly getting raped by a guy she dances with at a restaurant called Rota (Rotunda), while her friend Vera is making out with this guy's friend who ends up with bigger issues later. Stephie also faces not being able to get sponsored to continue her education but her teacher Miss Hedvig Björk has an idea on how to help her.
Stephie becomes worried when she doesn't hear from her parents after countless letters sent to them. When she finally gets a postcard with the traditional 30-word limit, this time this message rocked her world. Her father writes that he apologizes for just getting the chance to write. He noted that she and Nellie's mother died from typhus the month before. He told her to be gentle when she told Nellie. That was the last message they would get from their father.
When Stephie struggles to tell Nellie the news about their mother, Nellie calls her a liar and is furious. This is so sad, but after a while, Nellie starts to slowly rebuild her relationship with her sister. Since her mother has died and her father was sent to another camp and they don't know where he is, they know all they have is each other and life goes on.
Sisters Stephie and Nellie Steiner were sent to Sweden by their parents to escape the Nazi sweep of Jews in Vienna, Austria. Their parents, prisoners of war in Theresienstadt, a camp in Czechoslovakia can only return communications to them with a maximum of only 30 words on a postcard that does not have pictures on them.
Stephie and Nellie were taken in by different families, each with different experiences that manage to put a strain on their relationship. Stephie lives with her friend May, her parents, Aunt Tyra and Uncle Britten, and their large family in Standarna. Nellie, remains on with her foster parents, Auntie Alma and Uncle Sigurd, wanting to take on the identity of a Swedish girl instead of committing to her Jewish roots.
Stephie enjoys her studies but life is only getting more complicated as she gets older. She deals with nearly getting raped by a guy she dances with at a restaurant called Rota (Rotunda), while her friend Vera is making out with this guy's friend who ends up with bigger issues later. Stephie also faces not being able to get sponsored to continue her education but her teacher Miss Hedvig Björk has an idea on how to help her.
Stephie becomes worried when she doesn't hear from her parents after countless letters sent to them. When she finally gets a postcard with the traditional 30-word limit, this time this message rocked her world. Her father writes that he apologizes for just getting the chance to write. He noted that she and Nellie's mother died from typhus the month before. He told her to be gentle when she told Nellie. That was the last message they would get from their father.
When Stephie struggles to tell Nellie the news about their mother, Nellie calls her a liar and is furious. This is so sad, but after a while, Nellie starts to slowly rebuild her relationship with her sister. Since her mother has died and her father was sent to another camp and they don't know where he is, they know all they have is each other and life goes on.
February 24, 2020
Ja...en av sådana böcker som får en att känna sig ung igen.
June 15, 2018
It's been three years since Stephie and Nellie Steiner were sent from Vienna to Sweden to keep them safe from the Nazis. Nellie has adjusted so well she wants to be adopted by Auntie Alma and Uncle Steiner. She barely remembers Vienna and doesn't understand why their parents sent them away. Stephie bears the burden of knowing why but not really understanding what and is happening. She knows her parents are in a camp called Theresienstadt. She can send packages and letters but her parents can only send one postcard of thirty carefully chosen words. Are they really all right or are they only focusing on the positive the way Stephie does? The positive for Stephie is that her grammar school education has come to an end and she is looking forward to moving on with her studies. Aunt Marta doesn't understand Stephie's dream of becoming a doctor and isn't bothered when Stephie's dream may come crashing down. Meanwhile, Vera has moved to Göteborg to work as a maid. Vera enjoys the nightlife and dreams of becoming a movie star. Stephie worries about her too. What will the next year bring?
This was the best book of the three that I've read so far. It deals openly with adult issues : The Holocaust, teen sexuality/sex, a Harvey Weinstein type situation, a near rape, religion and education. There's also a hint of a possible lesbian relationship though it's never outed. This book is better suited for older teens.
Stephie is far more likable in this novel. She's happier and more free living with May and her family though she feels a lot of guilt over leaving Nellie and worries about her parents. I hear survivor's guilt is very common among the children of Holocaust survivors and their children. Stephie is full of this. Nellie is too young to understand. She's now an angsty, angry pre-teen and I couldn't stand her. Stephie has a quick temper but she lacks the patience to explain things to Nellie. At 11 Nellie shouldn't have to know and understand the horrors of the Holocaust but as her parents are trapped in it, sadly, she would have to grow up far too fast. Her character growth is too fast. There's no growth just -wham- an explanation and resignation. It's heartbreaking. Be prepared to have your hankies nearby!
I was ABSOLUTELY APPALLED at the way the church chose to/not to do something about Stephie and Nellie's parents. People who use their religion as an excuse to discriminate or dig their heads in the sand and not do anything make me sick. This situation is sooooo relevant to today! I even bookmarked a quote to add to GoodReads because it applies to the victims of mass violence even today. It's a spoiler so I'm not putting it here. I was just so angry! If you follow the news, you'll know what the church's response was anyway. It's a popular hashtag these days. Your God gave you a brain and free will. That's what makes us different from animals. Your God teaches you to love not hate. Stephie's response is exactly the one I would have made. Even Aunt Marta agrees with Stephie on some level but even her response was unsatisfactory. Of course today we know what is going to happen to Stephie's parents. Stephie's new acquaintance Judith also seems to know.
Judith kind of annoyed me with her black and white way of thinking. I do understand where she's coming from but she sounds rather cold and militant. She's a Zionist and keeps up to date with Jewish news. She serves to push Stephie to think more about herself and her religion and what may be going on with her family.
Vera's story is all too common and in the news a lot these days. I knew exactly what was going to happen. Even Stephie knows instinctively that something is fishy. Yet, Vera isn't wise like Stephie and not from a wealthy or even a well off fishing family. Vera has only her mother who was a teenage unwed mother. Her mother's story was vastly different from her own but Vera is smart in other ways and knows what her future holds. If she were alive today and an old lady I hope someone would help her feel like she wasn't alone. However she does bear some of the blame for what happens to Stephie. Again this is all too common even today when kids should know better. What happens is in no way Stephie's fault or even Vera's but Vera is the one who put Stephie in a situation she wasn't comfortable in in the first place. When I was Stephie's age I knew a Vera. I was smarter than Stephie and provided a stable environment for my friend. Oh teenagers!
I just love May. She's so confident about who she is and what she wants. She's a devoted friend no matter what and is wise but not too wise. I also love Miss Björk and her friend (girlfriend?) Janice. Miss Björk is always Stephie's cheerleader. I fully agree with her views on education for girls and love that she's happily unwed and happy teaching. Her friend (I'm pretty sure girlfriend) Janice is lovely. They're both so free spirited and joyful. They bring a new energy to Aunt Marta's house! I DO get a hint of more than friendship from them but there's nothing explicitly stated. They could be best platonic friends if you want them to be.
On another light note: Anne of Green Gables is finally mentioned by name confirming my feeling that the author knew and was inspired by one of my favorite novels.
For older teens and adults
This was the best book of the three that I've read so far. It deals openly with adult issues : The Holocaust, teen sexuality/sex, a Harvey Weinstein type situation, a near rape, religion and education. There's also a hint of a possible lesbian relationship though it's never outed. This book is better suited for older teens.
Stephie is far more likable in this novel. She's happier and more free living with May and her family though she feels a lot of guilt over leaving Nellie and worries about her parents. I hear survivor's guilt is very common among the children of Holocaust survivors and their children. Stephie is full of this. Nellie is too young to understand. She's now an angsty, angry pre-teen and I couldn't stand her. Stephie has a quick temper but she lacks the patience to explain things to Nellie. At 11 Nellie shouldn't have to know and understand the horrors of the Holocaust but as her parents are trapped in it, sadly, she would have to grow up far too fast. Her character growth is too fast. There's no growth just -wham- an explanation and resignation. It's heartbreaking. Be prepared to have your hankies nearby!
I was ABSOLUTELY APPALLED at the way the church chose to/not to do something about Stephie and Nellie's parents. People who use their religion as an excuse to discriminate or dig their heads in the sand and not do anything make me sick. This situation is sooooo relevant to today! I even bookmarked a quote to add to GoodReads because it applies to the victims of mass violence even today. It's a spoiler so I'm not putting it here. I was just so angry! If you follow the news, you'll know what the church's response was anyway. It's a popular hashtag these days. Your God gave you a brain and free will. That's what makes us different from animals. Your God teaches you to love not hate. Stephie's response is exactly the one I would have made. Even Aunt Marta agrees with Stephie on some level but even her response was unsatisfactory. Of course today we know what is going to happen to Stephie's parents. Stephie's new acquaintance Judith also seems to know.
Judith kind of annoyed me with her black and white way of thinking. I do understand where she's coming from but she sounds rather cold and militant. She's a Zionist and keeps up to date with Jewish news. She serves to push Stephie to think more about herself and her religion and what may be going on with her family.
Vera's story is all too common and in the news a lot these days. I knew exactly what was going to happen. Even Stephie knows instinctively that something is fishy. Yet, Vera isn't wise like Stephie and not from a wealthy or even a well off fishing family. Vera has only her mother who was a teenage unwed mother. Her mother's story was vastly different from her own but Vera is smart in other ways and knows what her future holds. If she were alive today and an old lady I hope someone would help her feel like she wasn't alone. However she does bear some of the blame for what happens to Stephie. Again this is all too common even today when kids should know better. What happens is in no way Stephie's fault or even Vera's but Vera is the one who put Stephie in a situation she wasn't comfortable in in the first place. When I was Stephie's age I knew a Vera. I was smarter than Stephie and provided a stable environment for my friend. Oh teenagers!
I just love May. She's so confident about who she is and what she wants. She's a devoted friend no matter what and is wise but not too wise. I also love Miss Björk and her friend (girlfriend?) Janice. Miss Björk is always Stephie's cheerleader. I fully agree with her views on education for girls and love that she's happily unwed and happy teaching. Her friend (I'm pretty sure girlfriend) Janice is lovely. They're both so free spirited and joyful. They bring a new energy to Aunt Marta's house! I DO get a hint of more than friendship from them but there's nothing explicitly stated. They could be best platonic friends if you want them to be.
On another light note: Anne of Green Gables is finally mentioned by name confirming my feeling that the author knew and was inspired by one of my favorite novels.
For older teens and adults
July 31, 2019
SÅ SÅ BRA! Som vanligt då. Så oerhört jobbiga och tunga är dessa böcker, men också superduperbra och till bredden fyllda av kärlek. Och de känns så äkta! Ska läsa vidare nuu
March 30, 2021
Lest diese Reihe einfach! 🥺
Es ist ein Mist Read und ich habe beim Ende so geheult
Es ist ein Mist Read und ich habe beim Ende so geheult
November 30, 2017
Det blir bara sorgligare och sorgligare men är fortfarande lika bra. Bara en bok kvar nu. 😔
Read
November 23, 2017Lika bra som de tidigare böckerna! Älskar att läsa om Steffi och Nelli! Läs hela recensionen här: https://ewelinasbokblogg.blogspot.se/...
June 5, 2020
Jag trodde aldrig att jag skulle ge tredje boken i en serie högre betyg än de första böckerna. Den här boken är inte nödvändigtvis bättre än de två första, men den påverkade mig mer. Steffi är 16 år, vilket gör att jag själv kan relatera mycket mer. De ämnen som tas upp är också mycket mer nyanserade och intressanta: sexualitet, kvinnans roll, religion, identitet, vad är rätt och vad är fel? Att se Nellis utveckling och reaktioner till saker och ting var också mycket intressant, särskilt i kontrast med Steffi. Som sagt, jag blev mycket mer påverkad av den här delen av serien, så påverkad att tårarna började rinna som ösregn i slutet. Jag ser fram emot den fjärde och sista boken i serien, samtidigt som jag inte vill att det ska ta slut.
May 26, 2024
3. Love the historical details, but not the baby drama.
December 7, 2017
Havets djup är den tredje boken i kvartetten om Steffi och Nelli (se gärna mina recensioner av den första boken, En ö i havet, och den andra boken, Näckrosdammen).
Denna bok är en ganska typis mitten bok i en serie, där självaste bokens dramaturgi inte är lika viktig som bokens del i serien. Nu trappas förtvivlan upp, samtidigt som spänningen mellan den Steffi var i Wien och den Steffi är i Sverige ökar. Slutet är inte ett avslut, så som de två tidigare böckerna haft, utan ett dramatiskt skifte i hela berättelsen om Steffi och Nelli.
Det som ändå kan sägas vara bokens egen handling är den komplicerade relationen mellan Stefii och Nelli, där Steffi nu börjar bli vuxen men fortfarande ser sig som Wienare, medan Nelli är tonåring och mer och mer kommer att se sig som svensk. Nelli tyr sig till sin fosterfamiljs traditioner och ser sig som kristen, samtidigt som Steffi tvingas möta sin egen religiösa ambivalens när hon börjar umgås med en annan judisk flyktning från Wien, som anklagar Steffi för att svika sitt folk genom att vara sin kristna fosterfamilj till belåtenhet. Steffi känner sig inte kristen, och kanske heller inte som jude, och är mer koncentrerad på att skaffa sig en utbildning än att tro på något.
En parantes i berättelsen är Steffis lärarinna Hedvig Björk och dennes väninna Janice, som mellan raderna ingår i ett förhållande. Jag hoppas att detta kommer bli en viktig del i kommande bok, men det kan alltid hamna i skuggan av Steffis mycket mer råa verklighet, och tomheten av hennes föräldrar.
Klasskillnader blir nu desto synligare i Steffis liv, och något hon ständigt behöver fundera över. Hon kommer från ett helt annat samhällskikt än det hon nu lever och umgås i. Vid ett tillfälle kommenterar hon klassföraktet hon kan känna från de övre klasserna gentemot henne, hennes familj och väninnan Majs familj med att de är inte som "vi", där hon också själv reflekterar över att hon nu känner en tillhörighet med sin fosterfamilj och majs familj. Detta börjar den fortfarande unga Steffi fundera över, och jag hoppas detta blir viktigt i nästa bok. Väninnan Vera har hamnat i en olycklig situation, där hon har blivit gravid utanför äktenskapet. Giftermål är planerat, och här hoppas jag man får följa henne i nästa bok, så man får veta vad som händer även med henne.
På det hela tagna är det hittills den bästa boken i serien, trots att den saknar sin egen dramaturgi.
Denna bok är en ganska typis mitten bok i en serie, där självaste bokens dramaturgi inte är lika viktig som bokens del i serien. Nu trappas förtvivlan upp, samtidigt som spänningen mellan den Steffi var i Wien och den Steffi är i Sverige ökar. Slutet är inte ett avslut, så som de två tidigare böckerna haft, utan ett dramatiskt skifte i hela berättelsen om Steffi och Nelli.
Det som ändå kan sägas vara bokens egen handling är den komplicerade relationen mellan Stefii och Nelli, där Steffi nu börjar bli vuxen men fortfarande ser sig som Wienare, medan Nelli är tonåring och mer och mer kommer att se sig som svensk. Nelli tyr sig till sin fosterfamiljs traditioner och ser sig som kristen, samtidigt som Steffi tvingas möta sin egen religiösa ambivalens när hon börjar umgås med en annan judisk flyktning från Wien, som anklagar Steffi för att svika sitt folk genom att vara sin kristna fosterfamilj till belåtenhet. Steffi känner sig inte kristen, och kanske heller inte som jude, och är mer koncentrerad på att skaffa sig en utbildning än att tro på något.
En parantes i berättelsen är Steffis lärarinna Hedvig Björk och dennes väninna Janice, som mellan raderna ingår i ett förhållande. Jag hoppas att detta kommer bli en viktig del i kommande bok, men det kan alltid hamna i skuggan av Steffis mycket mer råa verklighet, och tomheten av hennes föräldrar.
Klasskillnader blir nu desto synligare i Steffis liv, och något hon ständigt behöver fundera över. Hon kommer från ett helt annat samhällskikt än det hon nu lever och umgås i. Vid ett tillfälle kommenterar hon klassföraktet hon kan känna från de övre klasserna gentemot henne, hennes familj och väninnan Majs familj med att de är inte som "vi", där hon också själv reflekterar över att hon nu känner en tillhörighet med sin fosterfamilj och majs familj. Detta börjar den fortfarande unga Steffi fundera över, och jag hoppas detta blir viktigt i nästa bok. Väninnan Vera har hamnat i en olycklig situation, där hon har blivit gravid utanför äktenskapet. Giftermål är planerat, och här hoppas jag man får följa henne i nästa bok, så man får veta vad som händer även med henne.
På det hela tagna är det hittills den bästa boken i serien, trots att den saknar sin egen dramaturgi.
May 11, 2015
Deep Sea is the third book in a series by Annika Thor (Faraway Island and The Lily Pond being the first two installments). The Steiner sisters, Stephie and Nellie, were sent from their home in Vienna to live with foster families in Sweden in 1939 at the outset of WWII. Over the past three years (and first two books) WWII takes off and things quickly go from bad to worse. Their Jewish parents are sent to camps and the sisters have little to no information about their well being. Nellie takes to Sweden right away, easily learning and preferring Swedish to their native German. Stephie does not adapt so well. Her foster mother is cold and staunch and she feels cut off from the world living on the small island. Stephie is able to go to school on the mainland where she makes friends. At the end of this third book we learn that Stephie and Nellie’s mother has died and their father has been shipped off to another camp – probably one in Poland – where Stephie is told letters do not go in or out. Things are looking pretty grim as we leave the Steiner sisters and await the fourth and final book.
I enjoyed Deep Sea, but not quite as much as some other WWII choices like The Book Thief, Marika, Number the Stars, Shades of Grey, or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. (I’m sure I’m forgetting a few). I did enjoy the different setting, but I felt there should have been a bit more history for a historical fiction novel. It reads like a coming of age story with a dash of history thrown in. This could be good for those not too interested in history. The pacing was good and the characters well developed and likable. I also felt like I did not need to read the first two in the series to know what was going on. All in all Deep Sea is a solid choice for tween readers.
Grade Range: 7-9
Genre: Historical
Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommendation: Recommended
I enjoyed Deep Sea, but not quite as much as some other WWII choices like The Book Thief, Marika, Number the Stars, Shades of Grey, or The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. (I’m sure I’m forgetting a few). I did enjoy the different setting, but I felt there should have been a bit more history for a historical fiction novel. It reads like a coming of age story with a dash of history thrown in. This could be good for those not too interested in history. The pacing was good and the characters well developed and likable. I also felt like I did not need to read the first two in the series to know what was going on. All in all Deep Sea is a solid choice for tween readers.
Grade Range: 7-9
Genre: Historical
Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommendation: Recommended
October 13, 2015
I can't say I liked this book as much as the previous two featuring the Steiner sisters. There's a lot less about Nellie and about Stephie's parents, who are now living in Theresienstadt, than there was in the previous two books. And a word to the wise: while
A Faraway Island
and
The Lily Pond
are suitable for middle grades, this one definitely is not. This is mainly because Stephie's friend Vera becomes a bit of a train wreck as the story progresses: she has nude photographs taken for a magazine, and ultimately gets pregnant without knowing who the father is. See what I mean? Stephie's teacher and her "friend" who both come to live with Stephie for the summer so they can tutor her to pass the high school exam are obviously lesbians, and there is talk about them sunbathing in the nude and so on, but that potential plot line never went anywhere. It's not like Stephie ever realized what was going on or that the couple got in trouble because of their sexual orientation. Stephie also experiences difficulties with school -- she's not sure if she'll be able to continue with her education, due to lack of funds -- and with the Pentecostal church she attends, who refuse to assist her parents because they're not Christians. It seemed like every chapter of the book introduced a new problem in the story, and it got a bit crowded.
Unlike the other two books (there's a fourth as well, which hasn't been translated yet), this one doesn't seem capable of standing on its own. The ending kind of left me hanging. I will, however, finish the series once Book #4 gets translated into English.
Unlike the other two books (there's a fourth as well, which hasn't been translated yet), this one doesn't seem capable of standing on its own. The ending kind of left me hanging. I will, however, finish the series once Book #4 gets translated into English.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2015
I would probably have given the whole serie five stars when I read it in middle school (over 10 years ago).
I read it in a collection book containing all four books. It's a lovely serie about two girls comming to Sweden during WWII. I remember carrying around the book, reading in odd places beacause I liked it so much.
I read it in a collection book containing all four books. It's a lovely serie about two girls comming to Sweden during WWII. I remember carrying around the book, reading in odd places beacause I liked it so much.
November 1, 2017
Åååh vad jag älskar dessa böcker! De är både sorgliga men det går också att se en ljusstrimma av hopp. Jag tycker även att det är så fint att se värmen och de fina människorna som finns runt omkring både Steffi och Nelli.
July 5, 2019
Wow. Just wow. Amazing writing, I hurt for the sisters and the families and everyone struggling through that era, while noticing uncomfortable parallels with some current issues. Will be checking out the other books
April 11, 2024
"Men du ska veta att vad som än händer har du alltid ett hem här hos mig och Evert."
Aah mitt hjärta svämmar nästan över av kärlek till dessa karaktärer! Och så mycket känslor på slutet... den här boken (och kanske även den första) är nog min favorit i serien.
Aah mitt hjärta svämmar nästan över av kärlek till dessa karaktärer! Och så mycket känslor på slutet... den här boken (och kanske även den första) är nog min favorit i serien.
May 11, 2017
Actual rating: 3,5/5. I actually cried at the end, and I rarely cry because of books.
May 12, 2023
Another interesting perspective on WWII from Sweden, this time where two sisters have been sent to wait out the war, reunite with their parents and then move to America. They moved from Vienna to an island off the coast, not far from Goteborg. Their parents are now in the Theresienstadt camp and neither sister fully comprehends what that means. Definitely some mature themes of sexual exploitation and teen pregnancy. This book in the series should be in the YA section of the library, not juvenile.
September 5, 2018
4.5 stars
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May 3, 2025Hele serie is zeldzaam meer-dan-goed.
Graag herlezen, het was een verrijking. Ik schreef een lang stuk: https://lezersgoud.nl/annika-thor-ser...
Graag herlezen, het was een verrijking. Ik schreef een lang stuk: https://lezersgoud.nl/annika-thor-ser...
December 7, 2025
Denna var tråkigaste hittills men fortfarande bra. De nämnde Palestina flera ggr och blir typ konstigt att förhålla sig till det
July 1, 2021
Lite segare än de två första böckerna i serien men fortfarande väldigt bra, framförallt slutet av boken.
May 4, 2024
Het was weer leuk! Misschien vond ik het liefdesaspect van het tweede boek minder. Het is ook interessant om de Tweede Wereldoorlog vanuit Zweeds perspectief mee te maken.
March 15, 2025
Berättelsen om Steffi och Nelli fortsätter i den tredje delen ”Havets djup”. Steffi är nu 16 år och går fortfarande i läroverket och har flyttat hem till Maj och hennes familj i Sandarna. Steffis vän Vera arbetar som hembiträde hos en familj i Göteborg vilket ger de båda möjligheten till att ses oftare än vad det kunnat tidigare. Nelli är kvar hemma hos tant Alma och farbror Sigurd på ön och Steffi besöker ön när hon har möjlighet.
Breven från Theresienstadt kommer mer sällan än tidigare och oron i Steffis bröst växer sig större. Varför dröjer svaren? Hur har mamma och pappa det? Tillsammans med tant Märta skickar Steffi mat, kläder och andra förnödenheter för att hjälpa föräldrarna så mycket hon bara kan.
Vera försöker få Steffi att följa med ut och dansa och efter flera försök att övertyga henne säger Steffi till slut ja. Atmosfären på dansbanan är något som Steffi aldrig tidigare har upplevt och det första besöket leder till nya möten med unga män och en upplevelse som Steffi helst av allt vill glömma. Ju längre tiden går desto mer undvikande blir Vera och Steffi får en känsla av att hon döljer något och med tiden blir det uppenbart vad Vera går igenom.
En dag får Steffi syn på en flicka på spårvagnen som hon tycks känna igen och det visar sig vara en gammal klasskamrat från Wien. Flickan, som heter Judith, bor på det judiska barnhemmet i Göteborg. De får kontakt med varandra och det går snabbt upp för Steffi att inte alla judiska flyktingbarn har haft turen att hamna hos en trygg fosterfamilj som Steffi. Den nyvunna vänskapen får Steffi att fundera över sin bakgrund, vem hon egentligen är och varför hon så lätt har låtit sig döpas och bli frälst. Dessa nya tankar får Steffi att ta ett steg som hon inte riktigt vet hur det kommer mottas av vare sig tant Märta eller alla andra på ön.
Av böckerna jag hittills har läst i serien tycker jag om ”Havets djup” allra mest. Det finns så många lager i berättelsen som tillåter läsaren att fundera och reflektera och som dessutom hjälper till att bibehålla en spänning. Det är svårt att lägga ifrån sig boken.
Breven från Theresienstadt kommer mer sällan än tidigare och oron i Steffis bröst växer sig större. Varför dröjer svaren? Hur har mamma och pappa det? Tillsammans med tant Märta skickar Steffi mat, kläder och andra förnödenheter för att hjälpa föräldrarna så mycket hon bara kan.
Vera försöker få Steffi att följa med ut och dansa och efter flera försök att övertyga henne säger Steffi till slut ja. Atmosfären på dansbanan är något som Steffi aldrig tidigare har upplevt och det första besöket leder till nya möten med unga män och en upplevelse som Steffi helst av allt vill glömma. Ju längre tiden går desto mer undvikande blir Vera och Steffi får en känsla av att hon döljer något och med tiden blir det uppenbart vad Vera går igenom.
En dag får Steffi syn på en flicka på spårvagnen som hon tycks känna igen och det visar sig vara en gammal klasskamrat från Wien. Flickan, som heter Judith, bor på det judiska barnhemmet i Göteborg. De får kontakt med varandra och det går snabbt upp för Steffi att inte alla judiska flyktingbarn har haft turen att hamna hos en trygg fosterfamilj som Steffi. Den nyvunna vänskapen får Steffi att fundera över sin bakgrund, vem hon egentligen är och varför hon så lätt har låtit sig döpas och bli frälst. Dessa nya tankar får Steffi att ta ett steg som hon inte riktigt vet hur det kommer mottas av vare sig tant Märta eller alla andra på ön.
Av böckerna jag hittills har läst i serien tycker jag om ”Havets djup” allra mest. Det finns så många lager i berättelsen som tillåter läsaren att fundera och reflektera och som dessutom hjälper till att bibehålla en spänning. Det är svårt att lägga ifrån sig boken.
May 28, 2020
I can only reiterate what I've already said about the previous books in this series. It's really, really good! And sad. But good! And more and more big topics are being handled beautifully. This is a coming of age story but it's also a history lesson, referencing lots of real events and places which I'm enjoying just as much. Some things the book deals with more directly. Obviously the ongoing world war, but also things like social justice and women's rights, exemplified by a storyline about and how people at the time considered it a waste of time for girls to study because "they were going to get married anyway". I mean, I knew that used to be the case (and still is, in some places) but still. Some other topics the book deals with more indirectly. For example, there's a lesbian couple in this book. It's never stated outright, probably because we're following our main character Steffi's POV and I'm sure she hasn't realized it. I'm not sure I'd have picked up on it myself had I read this as a child, but reading this now, as an adult it's very obvious and makes me reflect on yet another part of history and what life would have been like as an LGBTQ-person in the 1940s. Hopefully I'll be able to finish this series and listen to the final book tomorrow or at least during the weekend!
February 1, 2019
Cette saga, facile à lire, est complexe et prenante. J’ai lu les trois premiers tomes en trois jours. Steffi est au départ une gamine agaçante sui se transforme en une adolescente complexe, transformée par la guerre, l’exil, l’attente.
Ce tome m’a le plus bouleversée. Il raconte la vie normale d’une fille de 16 ans, qui était promise à la Grandeur et qui voit son monde basculé de plus en plus.
Je me dois de trouver le dernier volume de cette série. Vraiment.
Ce tome m’a le plus bouleversée. Il raconte la vie normale d’une fille de 16 ans, qui était promise à la Grandeur et qui voit son monde basculé de plus en plus.
Je me dois de trouver le dernier volume de cette série. Vraiment.
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