Set in Western Australia this story deals with events around the end of the Great War as told through the eyes of 12 year-old Nell.
At the beginning of the story Nell is in hospital recovering from a close call with the 1918 Spanish ‘flu. The story seamlessly weaves back and forth. One story is about Nell and her life in hospital away from her family. The other is about her family’s life from the end of the war; waiting for Dad’s return, as well as coping with worry about the increasing numbers of deaths from the ‘flu.
Dad’s ship bypasses Freemantle, where the family are waiting, because of worries about infection. Nell, Mum, Martha, Jack and Pa have to withstand even more frustration as their hopes for Dad's return are dashed at the last moment. It is obvious that Nell feels betrayed by Dad for some reason and as we read the back-story we find out why.
This is an interesting read because it deals with World War I from unusual angles – how the soldiers actually got home after the war, the early 20th century small town, family life showing how they have coped without the “head of the house”, and the effect of the 1918 ‘flu on the town.
Highly recommended for intermediate and junior secondary.
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Reviewed by Beth
Published by Woolshed Press (2008)
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