From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9–Using the literary technique of magical realism, Bloor brings readers a serious tale of justice and redemption, of fathers and sons, of the privileged and the common. John Martin Conway feels out of place at his exclusive prep school, where he is constantly reminded that he is a scholarship kid. After a confrontation with Hank Lowery, the great-grandson of the schools founder, he requests to work at home on an independent study project. The World War II-era radio that his grandmother left him brings him into contact with Jimmy, a boy who lived during the war and who needs his help. He takes Martin back to the time of the London Blitz. In his own time, he focuses his research on the things Jimmy shows him and the people he encounters. Along the way he uncovers some new information about his grandfathers and General Hank Lowerys dealings during the war and discovers how he can help put Jimmys soul to rest. He also comes to terms with his alcoholic father and with his own depression. Readers will identify with the modern elements of the story and be drawn into the tension of the historical events. Evocative descriptions and elegant phrasings make the writing most enjoyable, and because the author uses a first-person voice, the story seems very personal, and readers will feel Martins turmoil and angst. Bloors fans and those who like a little light fantasy with their history will find something intriguing here.
–Cheri Dobbs, Detroit Country Day Middle School, Beverly Hills, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From AudioFile
Martin Conway, who numbly attends an upscale private school, is pulled out of his ennui by a strange call from his grandmother right before her death. His curiosity increases when the art deco radio she bequeaths him introduces him to Jimmy, a figure from the past who asks for his help. Martin is introduced to a maze of mysterious parallels and alternating times and places, all of which are kept straight through the strong narration of Robertson Dean. Dean shifts accents easily as Martin time-travels to Jimmy's world, Blitz-filled London of 1940. Dean's resonant tones have a haunting quality for a tale that has otherworldly elements and a dream-like mission that may bring redemption to several characters. S.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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