Lizard's Tale discussion

Lizard's Tale is a well-deserved finalist in the 2020 Book Awards, in both the Junior Fiction and the Best First Book categories.

Set in Singapore in 1940, it is a rollicking mystery adventure which takes place against the backdrop of World War 2 and the imminent bombing of Singapore by Japan.

Lizard is a young boy who is surviving, just, in Singapore's underground. When he is asked to steal a package for a local criminal he becomes embroiled in a terrifying ordeal, which coincidentally involves his missing British uncle.

The plot moves quickly and Lizard and his friend Lili are likable. I did think, though, that, with a few tweaks, this story could have been set anywhere in the world. There is an underlying sense of the place and the era, but it is not overly strong... and I am not sure if that is a good or a bad thing. I think personally I would have liked to experience a bit more of the time and the pace, but in terms of the storyline I am not sure it matters.

I am looking forward to book talking this book when we look at the Book Award books in the Library... I think there will be a few takers!

Not sure if it is a read aloud to be fair... but I am not a great judge in that department! Happy to be proven wrong!