Passenger by Alexandra Bracken
HarperCollins, 2016. ISBN 9781460752043
(Age: 16+) Etta was 'Classical Music's Best Kept Secret.' She is an
eighteen year old violinist set to make her debut on the concert
scene. Her mother is also talented, but aloof.
'She's never going to care, no matter how much you kill yourself to
be the best. Are you even playing for yourself any more, or just in
the hope that one day she'll decide to listen.'
The reader may relate to the sacrifice needed to excel in your
chosen field or the challenge of striving for the attention of a
seemingly uninterested parent. Etta has sacrificed her social life
and pleasures in life to be the best.
On the night of her debut her life knocked off track through an act
of violence and revenge and Etta is transported to 1770. She meets
Nicholas and together they race across time and space in the vain
hope Etta can save her mother and make her way back to her home.
From World War II London to Damascus in 1599 they encounter threats
of violence and ruthless characters, while the extravagant
descriptions of clothing and scenery show the reader travelogue
across history.
Romance develops between Nicholas and Etta. The intensity of this
relationship adds little to the story, and moves the recommended age
to 16+.
Linda Guthrie