The Child Without A Home by Ann Bennett - Book Review

Books

*AD-gifted: I received a copy of The Child Without a Home in exchange for this post. Affiliate links are marked with a*

I love starting the month off with a great book review! Today it’s my turn to share with you the review for *The Child Without a Home by Ann Bennett. It’s inspired by the lives of the forgotten orphans of World War Two. A heart-wrenching and moving tale about fighting for your loved ones when all hope is lost…

The Child Without A Home by Ann Bennett - Book Review

Book Description

1944, East Prussia. When the war comes to twelve year old Agnes’ village, she finds herself stuck between two terrifying armies. Everyone in her town has been forced to fight for the Nazis, and as the Red Army approaches every innocent woman and child is made to leave their home. Then tragedy strikes and Agnes and her brother Dieter find themselves completely alone in a vast, isolated woodland. Though she is terrified, Agnes knows that she must protect her brother, no matter the cost…

Cambridge, present day. When her beloved grandfather dies, Freya is distraught. Not only has she lost the man who helped raise her, but she knows the story of his time as a pilot in World War Two, and her family’s history, is gone forever. But then Freya meets her new next-door neighbour Agnes, whose accent is just like her grandfather’s. She has a framed picture of a snow-covered castle that looks strangely familiar, and a weather-beaten image of a little blonde boy in braces and boots.

Agnes vowed never to tell the painful story of the young boy who risked everything for her, even if Freya believes Agnes may hold the key to unlocking her own family’s secrets. But what Freya doesn’t realise is that Agnes’ past has the power to change everything she ever thought she knew about her family…

What I Thought

This is the first book I’ve read by Ann Bennett and I was utterly amazed at how the book drew me in. What a fantastic author! The characters are rich in depth along with the plot and dual timeline. With some dual timeline books you get lost along the way, but not this one!

It’s completely authentic and well researched. I’ve read many historical fiction books and this is right up the top with the best. You will be engrossed, saddened, and on an emotional rollercoaster.

Author Bio

Ann Bennett was born in a small village in Northamptonshire and now lives in Surrey. Her first book, A Daughter’s Quest, originally published as Bamboo Heart, was inspired by her father’s experience as a prisoner of war on the Thai-Burma Railway. The Planter’s Wife (originally published as Bamboo Island) a Daughter’s Promise and The Homecoming, (formerly Bamboo Road) are also about the war in South East Asia.

Ann is married with three grown up sons and works as a lawyer.