NZ Writer and Artist Robert MacKinlay Blame Published and illustrated by the author 2015 $25, with free postage within NZ 258p
Available from robtmack@ihug.co.nz
and also from www.silverstreamgallery.co.nz and selected bookshops
ISBN 978 1 5153 2838 4
Themes: Collaboration/
Fathers and Sons/ Hampteau, Belgium/ Hotton Caves/ Invasion of Belgium World
War II/ Scout Association
Time has passed since the end of Dare to Defy (published earlier this year - see review below) which is
about the same group of children but who are now older, much wearier and more
street wise. The Germans are still in control but the Scout Group continues to
function and in the face of tragedy close to home is one of the pivots that
carries the children through. I first read this book in manuscript some time
ago and I was truly moved to tears by the ending as I was again just now.
Without ever becoming maudlin or sentimental, Robert MacKinlay manages to
engage our emotions so we feel what it might have been like to be living as a
child, 70 years ago, in such circumstances where you were never quite sure who
was your friend and who your enemy.
Watch for Book Three - hopefully coming soon.
Year 6 up/ Age 10 up
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