Shirley Dickson – The Lost Children

‘The Lost Children’ by Shirley Dickson is a historical fiction novel set in World War 2. As with other books set during this period, it is a heartbreaking read, but it is so much more than just that. It is also a story of resilience, love and kindness.

Twins Jacob and Molly are sent away by their mother, Molly as a last resort to Leadham in the country. On the day of their departure, Molly hands a letter to Jacob which she tells him not to open unless they have no other options.

They settle and adjust to their lives with Aunt Brigit to the point where they feel she is just an older version of their mother. One day she breaks her hip and can’t come home. They end up in a temporary home with a bit of a grumpy Mr.Joe until they can be permanently placed. Then Molly overhears a conversation that shakes her to the core, their mam is dead, and they are heading to an orphanage! The twins hatch a plan to escape so they can stay together.
Jacob is reminded of the letter their mam gave him and is in a quandary, what do they do? Open it? Give it to an adult to open? Or what? All I can say they are never going to be ready for what information that letter holds.

An absolutely heartbreaking story. I know so many children were evacuated during this time and my heart goes out to every one of them. I could never imagine being put on a train by my mother and going to a strange place with a bunch of strangers. This story highlights the resilience of these children. Molly is a disabled child so Jacob has to be strong for them both during these times. I admired Jacob for all he does for her. My heart went out to Molly with the struggles she has anyway, never mind the evacuation and what follows for them. An author I have not previously read anything from. I shall certainly be reading more of her work, for sure.

In conclusion, this is a beautiful, heartbreaking but also uplifting read, Make sure you have a hankie or tissues, you may need them! Big thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the copy of The Lost Children to read for this review.