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goldenbooksgirl's review
5.0
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you might remember that the Children of Castle Rock by this author was one of my favourite books of the last few years. I’ve been so excited for another book by her, and this didn’t let me down- it’s another spectacular Blyton-esque tale. It’s set shortly after the end of the first world war, in 1919, and focuses on two children named Lotti and Ben, who go on the run together in Ben’s boat the Sparrowhawk; she to escape life with her oppressive aunt and uncle and reunite with the grandmother who mysteriously vanished from her life after her parents died, he to find his brother who was a soldier that is believed to be dead. Lotti and Ben are wonderful characters and I couldn’t have loved either of them any more, and I was so fond of their teacher Clara and the many wonderful dogs in the story too. On the other hand, I loathed Lotti’s aunt and uncle; they were such a nasty pair, and I hated the way her uncle in particular tried to crush her spirit and make her less headstrong and determined and herself. They were excellently written. Their adventure in crossing the Channel is so exciting, and as with Children of Castle Rock I loved the unusual third person narration and sense of humour throughout. I just loved this; Natasha Farrant writes books that are just so exactly my taste and I’m dying for her next one already.