I would like to begin by saying just how much I enjoyed this book; it was exceptional! I loved everything about this book but I mostly enjoyed its historical and war related themes.
I was entirely sucked into Paul Hansen’s world of confusion and worry (with even a hint of excitement) after his father’s death as he flees Nazi-occupied Antwerp. His journey will take him to many various locations that even he cannot always predict and Paul will meet many incredible and terrifying people along the way.
All of the different characters leapt off the page and were an absolute joy to read about.
This novel was so good that I hardly took any breaks during reading it, and could not wait to discover what might happen next. While it was heart-breaking to read about the way Paul worried about his mother, I always had some hope it would work out okay in the end. I will not spoil it for you, you’ll have to read it yourself to find out if she escapes the clutches of her Nazi kidnappers. I am sure that everyone will be mesmerised by the way Rigby manages to convey the emotions of his characters so clearly.
I would most strongly recommend this book to younger teens with a love of history or adventure, but I think older readers will also be able to connect with the novel and its characters. Anyone will love to follow the twists and turns that this book is so packed with and it seems impossible to guess what direction the story will take next.
The question on my mind whilst I was reading this book was- will Paul have the ability to draw on all of his strengths and escape the situations he finds himself in? Surrounded by the uncertainty of war and the strange effects it has on people; will Paul survive the Eagle Trial and will he ever discover the true fate of his beloved mother?
With a traitor in the mix, can Paul really trust all of the ‘friends’ he has made?
Book review by Elliot Johnston Coates
