Review:
Ghostscape by Joe Layburn
Frances Lincoln, 2008.
(Ages 8+ ) Highly Recommended. This is a gem of a book - a short
novel with a big impact. Modern day Aisha, a Somali girl finds herself
face to face with 1940s schoolboy Richard when she travels back in time
to war torn London during the Blitz. Aisha herself is no stranger to
war. Her own father was killed by soldiers in her native Somalia and
her relationship with her mother has clearly suffered as a result.
School life is difficult too thanks to the school bully. Aisha is tough
- she has to be, but meeting Richard gives her the possibility of
friendship and the welcome relief of being looked after. When she
discovers the horrifying events that took place in her school during
World War Two she sets out to save her new friend and his grandfather
from certain disaster.
Joe Layburn, himself a teacher, clearly understands children and
schools.
Ghostscape has a strong sense of place, but Layburn
eases off
on description in favour of plenty of action and dialogue. The link
between Aisha's experiences and Richard's is understated and it is a
clever ploy to connect the horrors that Aisha has witnessed with the
turmoil of World War Two. The twist at the end will leave you with a
lump in your throat.
In just over a hundred pages
Ghostscape may not have the depth
of
Goodnight Mr Tom, or
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas but
Layburn has
created a story that will capture children's interest and give them
plenty to think and talk about. I would promote this among able but
reluctant readers.
Claire Larson
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