Review:
Blue Skies & Gunfire by K. M. Peyton
Definitions, 2008. ISBN 978-1862301573
Josie is just about to go off to Art College when war breaks out. Her
family decides to send her to stay with family in the country to keep
her safe during the Blitz. This means leaving her whole life, including
her boyfriend, behind, and going to live with her aunt, uncle and
cousin who she barely knows.
Josie finds that away from home, she has more freedom! She finds work
in a pub, makes new friends and paints in her spare time. She meets
Jumbo, one of the brothers from the 'Big House' where her cousin
Maureen cleans, whilst painting by the lake, and begin to go out
together. Jumbo lost a leg in the war but is determined that he will
recover, learn to walk again, and return to the Air Force to fight.
When his older brother Chris is sent to the air force base nearby,
Josie falls in love with him instead. The brothers compete for her
affection, with the victor disappearing suddenly, presumed dead.
This is a wonderful book, which gives the reader an insight into the
complexity and brutality of war. The behaviour and attitude of the
young pilots is extraordinarily matter of fact, with them living each
day as it comes, never knowing if they will be around for the next. A
wonderful, thought provoking book, with an unexpected 'twist' at the
end.
Nikki Heath
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