Wow this book. Such a difficult subject, but hard to put down (except of course, when my brain suddenly got too tired). It’s set during WWII. The main character is Ada, a young girl who lived with her brother in poverty in London, until children were evacuated to the countryside. Ada resented her mother’s treatment of her, and longed to play outside, but she didn’t realize how bad things had actually been, until she faced a much better life with a woman who was was actually reluctant to take them in, but did her duty. How could this woman Susan feed them, clothe them, give them a warm and comfortable place to sleep, even make sure they got educated (Ada didn’t know how to read and write before), when her own mother who was supposed to love her had neglected those things? Ada hadn’t liked getting yelled at, physically punished or shut up in the room- never allowed outside- but she partly thought she deserved it. Her mother was ashamed of her club foot and had always abused her. Life in the country was so different Ada didn’t know what to think. She didn’t know about some of the simplest things- having never gone into shops, never walked through a field, never attended school. She sometimes reacted with anger and resentment at kind things people did for her, or gifts they gave, because she thought it would all get taken away again. Her conflicting feelings and terror at the prospect of being returned to London warred with her growing acceptance of the idea that life could be better, that she could actually learn and do things. She learned to walk on crutches, she taught herself to ride a pony, she made a few friends. She even assisted others when war brought wounded soldiers into their village. She grew up quickly and matured in so many ways, finding herself more capable than she’d ever imagined, and even slowly learning to trust that Susan actually cared for her. But at the end, she had to face her mother once more . . .
This story has so much going on. At heart, it’s about this girl gradually overcoming the trauma from her abusive childhood, learning new skills and learning to trust and receive love. She finds acceptance among the villagers and even admiration for a job well done (helping out with the war effort). The are quiet, parallel stories in here on similar themes- their temporary foster mother seems to be shunned by the locals and (though it is never spoken of clearly) appears to be suffering from depression and grief, after the death of her long-time friend. The two women had lived together and I can only assume they were partners. Ada’s brother is punished in school for being left-handed, and Susan has to march in there and set the teacher straight. So he had his own fear and shame to overcome, for something he couldn’t help- just being himself. Even the pony has been harmed by ignorance, because Susan assumed he was fine out there in the pasture with grass to eat, and never gave him proper care. Ada only learns this from a stable worker at a nearby horse farm who helps her out when she’s learning how to ride. She’s angry at Susan at first, then learns herself how to take care of the pony better, and teach Susan the same. They make things right. There’s also- of course- a lot in here about how civilians experienced the war, the fear of bombing, hiding in shelters, shortages and food rationing. Ada’s little brother loves to watch planes on the airfield near their home, and they have their share of close calls, terrifying moments and seeing others injured, wondering if there are spies among them . . .
I have the sequel here on my shelf ready to pick up, but I might need a lighter read in between! Although I will tell you, this one does have a good ending. You fear for Ada in the final chapters, but things do turn out all right.
