Book Review: A Step Back in Time

A step back in time

Who needs a time machine when you have historical fiction?

Journey to the River Sea Eva Ibbotson It’s been 21 years since Journey to the River Sea was published, but it still captivates readers (old and young alike) across the globe. The main character, Maia, is an orphan who is sent to live with distant relatives in Brazil in the early twentieth century. The relatives are interested in little but Maia’s money. However, Maia finds loyal companions in her governess, a young actor and a local boy.

The Key in The Lock Beth Underdown Secrets, lies and deception abound in this gothic thriller. Ivy Boscawen is mourning the death of her son in the Great War. She’s also still haunted by memories of a child’s death 30 years before. Ivy believes the boy was murdered and now she needs to find out what really happened. But will anyone be prepared to let the full truth come to light, even Ivy herself?

Take My Hand Dolen Perkins-Valdez Civil Townsend embarks on a career in family planning. It’s 1973 and she has high hopes of helping women to take control of their lives. But amongst her first patients are two young girls – eleven and thirteen. The girls live in virtual squalor and Civil does what she can to help them. Soon it becomes clear that people in power are intent are making life-changing decisions for girls like these two. A saddening insight into a dark period of American history.