Astor, Ontario, 1904. Emmy and her friend Sadie are walking along when a bloody and bruised boy staggers out of the forest clutching a pistol. Sadie runs off terrified. But something about the boy draws Emmy. She knows, deep inside, that he is not a danger. She kicks the pistol into the grass and cradles the boy until help arrives. Who is he? How has he been living? And will the townsfolk accept him?
| Stranger by Keren David | |
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| Category: Teens | |
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Reviewer: Jill Murphy
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| Summary: An absorbing story told in two time frames but connecting one family. Contemporary secrets meet historical ones. Beautifully written. | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 368 | Date: April 2018 |
| Publisher: Atom | |
| External links: Author's website | |
| ISBN: 034900305X | |
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Astor, Ontario, 1994. Megan is on a gap year before she goes to university to study medicine. And she's come to Canada from London to celebrate her great-grandmother Emmy's 105th birthday. Things are a bit up in the air for Megan at the moment - her parents have recently separated, she has split up with her boyfriend, and she is carrying a secret that she can't bring herself to share, even with close relatives and childhood friends. But will hiding it away break her?
Keren David's latest story is told chapter by chapter within these two time frames. And of course, we see from the start that they are connected. But how? Gradually, as Emmy tells her story and Megan tells hers, we begin to see how, and why. But David keeps us guessing and the ending provides some real surprises.
Keren David is a favourite of Bookbag's. She has a clear, fluid style and a well of deep compassion for her characters which shines through every page. Both timelines have absorbing narratives. In 1904, Emmy is determined to protect the wild boy, Tom, against suspicious and judgemental townspeople. She has allies in her mother and the editor of the local newspaper but they don't feel the same irresistible pull towards him as Emmy does. You can't help but admire Emmy's determination and loyalty. David also weaves in lots of historical detail so that this timeline rises from the pages, vivid and credible. In 1994, Megan is battered and bruised but putting a brave face on it. She buries her own secret by trying to uncover the secrets in her family's past. She's a genuinely sympathetic person and you'll root for her, too.
Stranger was a satisfying read. It had characters I liked, connections between time frames that developed gradually but saved surprises for the end, and is beautifully written with a compassionate authorial tone. It has a lot to tell us about which secrets are worth keeping and which are better for the cleansing power of sunlight. And it reminds us to treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves.
Recommended.
We are huge fans of Keren David here at Bookbag and, if you read and enjoy Stranger, and want to read more by her, we suggest the wonderful trilogy beginning with When I Was Joe by Keren David .
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You can read more book reviews or buy Stranger by Keren David at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Stranger by Keren David at Amazon.com.
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