A timeslip novel that effectively transports the reader between today’s world and living in Europe towards the end of WWII. The protagonists battle issues that young people encounter in contemporary society, for example, separated parents, death of a parent, blended families and bullying. These sit comfortably and are not diminished by the issues related to living in Nazi occupied Europe.
The major plot, the befriending of Ivan and Olinda, is poignant and well-researched. The subplots of living in a new family situation and learning to run, give depth to the context as they facilitate transitions of time and place. Revealing aspects of history and exploring themes of changing family circumstances, friendship, loyalty and war, make this book an interesting, engaging and cohesive read.