Challenge Tuesday – 8

This week I read something by a writer who featured strongly in my childhood.

Book 8 – A Little Love Song, by Michelle Magorian. It’s 1943, and 17 year old Rose has been sent by her mother to stay in the relative safety of coastal village Salmouth with her elder sister Diana, as her mother travels to entertain the troops. On arrival they find their chaperone has been called up and they have to make a decision whether to go back to their mother or take a step into independence. The story follows their summer of love, change and discovery, tied in with Rose learning to trust her writing voice and discovering the tragic past of ‘Mad Hilda’, the previous tenant of their cottage.

I love Michelle Magorian’s writing; her books are YA but written with such respect for her reader that you can read them whatever your age. I had two of her books as a child – Goodnight Mr Tom and Back Home – and I would recommend any of the three to anyone. Magorian tackles sensitive and taboo issues head on (abuse, neglect, despair, family breakdown, sex and loss, to name but a few) without any sense of sensationalism or voyeurism.

This book focusses on love and sex, on self-acceptance and following your own path in life. Rose is a great character, full of fun and energy but lacking in confidence and expected to be someone she is not. The interweaving of ‘Mad Hilda’ and her story is a pertinent reminder of what can be lost when someone is judged and found wanting. The way this is used to open Rose’s eyes and make her more accepting and less judgemental is a great technique.

I think you know from this review that I would heartily recommend this book. In fact, I kind of want to read it again already!

Happy reading,
EJ
🙂