The Swallows' Flight
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- $9.99
Publisher Description
“A triumph.” —Philip Pullman, bestselling author of the His Dark Materials saga
Four young lives are forever changed at the dawn of World War II in this “stirring and unforgettable” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) novel from award-winning author Hilary McKay.
In England, Ruby has no friends because of the speckled blotches on her face that kids say look like dirt. And Kate is sickly all the time, her older siblings each taking turns looking after her. Ruby and Kate’s first meeting is nearly disastrous, but the two lonely girls soon strike up a friendship. Their connection becomes all the more important when England joins the war against Germany and the blitz begins overhead.
In Germany, Erik and Hans are best friends filled with plans for their future: Erik taking over their beloved local zoo, and Hans serving pastries right outside the gates. They never expected to be forced to join the national service, training as pilots and tasked with hurting people.
And in London a mistreated dog roams the streets looking for handouts, and for a friend.
All of these lives will cross in the most surprising ways in this heartrending tale of war and compassion, and hope that can be found in even the most unexpected friendships, brought to life by award-winning author Hilary McKay.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in the transitional time between the two world wars, covering 1927–1947, this poignant novel follows four young people on the precipice of adulthood amid the challenges of looming conflict. In Berlin, animal-loving Erik and supportive Hans relish their affectionate friendship while anxiously observing Hitler's rise and burgeoning anti-Jewish sentiment; shy Ruby, born with facial birthmarks, finds comfort in the routines of hanging around at her mother's Plymouth newsagent's shop while her antagonistic older brother Will is away in the army; fragile Kate, the youngest of six in Oxford, records everything in her diary and enjoys a long-distance friendship with Ruby; and an unloved London scrapyard dog searches for a kind home. Elevated by rich characterizations of a cued-white ensemble cast against an acutely observed historical setting, McKay's (The Time of Green Magic) amiable and witty third-person narration offsets a story that touches on moments of darkness appropriate to the time period, including casual animal cruelty as well as several characters grappling with Kristallnacht and its implications. A thrilling final act authentically intertwines the narrative threads in this warm, gratifying follow-up to 2018's The Skylarks' War. Back matter features a historical note and family trees. Ages 8–12.
