52 Mondays by Anna Ciddor
Allen and Unwin, 2019. ISBN: 9781760523480.
(Age: 8-12) Recommended. It's 1960's Australia and Anna is a young
girl with a strong wish. She desires a doll similar to Hitty, the
doll in her favourite story.
Anna's family try to help her find the doll of her dreams and they
decide that the best place to find the perfect doll is at the weekly
Monday auctions, hence the title 52 Mondays, the number of
weeks of patient searching it takes to fulfil Anna's wish.
During the years search, we get to see everyday life in Anna's home,
a loving caring household where simple everyday events such as
birthday parties, fixing broken china and playing in the backyard
are gently told.
There are insights into Anna's Jewish background and her visits to
her grandparents give an understanding into the family's recent
history.
This novel is based upon the author's own childhood and I enjoyed
the picture she painted of a simpler post war Australia. There are
many 1960's insights into everyday life, playing with paper dolls,
delivery of milk by a milkman and having photos developed to be
picked up later.
Throughout the novel there is a strong sense of family love and
understanding.
I recommend this book to 8 to 12 year olds.
Jane Moore