From the pages of New Zealand history, The German raider attack on Rangitane in 1940 is woven into this wartime drama by Olivia Spooner.
From the bomb blitz of London, to Sydney, then Auckland and a tiny Pacific Island. Emirau Island, New Zealand author Olivia Spooner brings to life the harsh realities of parents having to make heartbreaking decisions to send their children to far off places to ‘keep them safe’ as the shadows of the European war stretched across Britain. Her meticulous research solidifies the fictionalised account, making The Girl From London an absolute must read.
Young teacher Ruth Best probably acted more from an impulsive headiness than any purist ideal of war service duty, when she accepted the role to accompany the British children being evacuated to Sydney, Australia as part of the controversial program CORB – Children’s Overseas Reception Board. As Voluntary Escourt to her team of young lads, Ruth forms a bond with the unsettled Fergus and his sister Rosie. Her attentiveness, care and compassion would have been a soothing balm for the children facing uncertainty and huge upheaval from their families and homeland.
Ruth, along with nurses Betty and Una, fellow teacher Bobby and Devan, form firm friendships on the voyage and these characters anchor the tale as the realities of war and the risks of sea travel are realized.
Our history books tell us of the New Zealand Company ship Rangitane that was traveling from Auckland back to Britain when it was hit by German raiders in November 1940 – so close to the New Zealand coastline. Loss of life and the imprisonment of the remaining crew and passengers brought the impact of a world at war to ‘our territory’. German raiders also attacked the Holmwood near the Chatham Islands prior to the Rangitane and brought home the stark reality of war. This historical tragedy is woven into The Girl From London and provides a sobering history lesson that gives depth and credibility that can be appreciated by wartime drama readers.
Read By Reid NZ highly recommends A Girl From London by New Zealand bookstore owner Olivia Spooner.