The Reb and the Redcoats by Constance SaveryThis book is unique because it is about the American Revolution from the point of view of a British family living in England. In fact, I think it's the only novel with that view that I've read. It tells the story of a young American soldier being held captive in the family's household, and his plans of escape. A very fun, light read that both my mom and I quite enjoyed.
Enemy Brothers: A Story of World War II by Constance SaveryIf I remember correctly, this book is a bit darker (not a whole lot but a little) than Reb. It is the story of a young German hostage boy (who hates the British) brought to England and placed with a family who has a great prejudice against Germans. Parts of it are thrilling and tense, others touching, and all of it feels real without being too graphic for young readers.
I just found out via an Amazon reviewer that this was written in 1943, before the author even knew what the outcome of the war would be. What courage to write a story like this during that time!
Again, I would highly recommend each of these books for young readers or adults looking for easy historical fiction. Both of them are available online through Amazon.com. They are re-printed by Bethlehem Books.
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The rest of the schedule for Recommendations From Under the Radar today:
A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy: The President's Daughter series by Ellen Emerson White
Big A, little a: The Tide Knot by Helen Dunmore
Jen Robinson's Book Page: The Zilpha Keatley Snyder Green Sky trilogy
Bildungsroman: Innocence by Jane Mendelsohn: A Discussion Part 1
Chasing Ray: Innocence by Jane Mendelsohn: A Discussion Part 2
lectitans: Innocence by Jane Mendelsohn: A Discussion Part 3
Finding Wonderland: The House on Hound Hill by Maggie Prince
Bookshelves of Doom: Harry Sue by Sue Stauffacher
Interactive Reader: Shake Down the Stars by Frances Donnelly
Chicken Spaghetti: Pooja Makhijani guest blogs with Romina's Rangoli by Malathi Michelle Iyengar
Writing & Ruminating: Dear Mr. Rosenwald by Carole Weatherford
Shaken & Stirred: Elizabeth Knox and the Dreamhunter Duet
12 comments:
Nice work, Erin. I haven't read either of these books, but I think my son might like them in a few years...writing down the titles :)
They do sound good, Erin. Especially the World War II one. :)
I've read the first one and really liked it, but I haven't been able to find the second one. Did our library have it or not?
Oooh! Written before he knew the outcome of the war, you say? I'll have to pick this one up when I'm in the mood for historical fiction...
I need to read Enemy Brothers. I'm enjoying "Under the Radar" week and hoping I can find some of the titles that everyone is recommending at our library.
Kelly, thanks. :)
Becky - do check it/them out.
Acting Gal - Kelsie lent it to me, actually. No our library doesn't have it.
Sookie - I know, how intriguing is that!?
Mom - very cool, glad you're enjoying.
Wow, 1943? That would be very interesting!
You've reviewed my favorite children's novel - Enemy Brother! I love that book. :-)
Red is nearly as good, but not quite. I've read only one other of Constance Savery's books, as all but the two you reviewed are out of print. I would love to read more of her work. If I recall correctly, I read somewhere that one of her sisters wrote as well.
Oops, I meant Reb, not Red.
Krista - I agree, Enemy Brothers is a bit better than Reb. I would love to read more of this author, too.
Thanks for your comment. :)
I came across this site while looking for more information about Constance Savery and her books. I hope you don't mind my jumping in and posting.
I've only recently found out about her books, and bought both REB and ENEMY BROTHERS. When I tell you I've read ENEMY BROTHERS four times since I got it about two weeks ago, you'll realize that I thought it was wonderful.
Both books have characters that one cares about very deeply. I found myself calculating how many more years World War II had to run after EB (it seems to start in early 1942, since it's winter, nearing the end of the holidays, and about two years after the war started), and worrying about whether any of the characters will be killed.
If ever a book needed a sequel, Enemy Brothers is the one. (SPOILERS) At the end of the book Dym promises Tony that he will take him to see Mutti again after the war. That is a book that I would love to read.
I hope Bethlehem Books reissues more of her books, if they are as good as these.
Aunt Book: Thank you so much for sharing your comments and thoughts! A sequel would be very interesting to read.
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