My Thoughts On… Across the Divide by Anne Booth
My Thoughts On… The Heat Is On by Helen Bridgett
Hi All!
Today is my stop on the blog tour for Across the Divide and I am here today with a review of this wonderful book!
Olivia lives with her mum and her grandparents. She has a relatively normal modern family. The opening of a new Army cadets unit causes turmoil both at home and at school. Olivia wants to join, a decision her ex-army grandfather supports, but her pacifist mother is ardently opposed. Her best friend Aiden also disagrees with her decision causing tension in their friendship. When her mum is imprisoned for leading a pacifist protest, Olivia is forced to spend time with her dad who lives on Lindesfarne. The island feels far away and detached from the mainland, almost magical. And even William, a young boy she meets there seems different…
Is her mum ever going to be released? And what will Olivia do with her Future?
My Thoughts
Having read and absolutely devoured Girl With A White Dog, I was especially excited when I heard that Anne Booth had written another book. I immediately jumped at the opportunity to read and review it and I am incredibly glad I did. Once again, Anne Booth has written a truly stunning and moving story that you do not want to miss. From the offset, you are pulled into this story as it leads you from the present to the past, slowly revealing what is happening. It is addictive, educational, and above else an enjoyable and interesting read.
A major theme of this book is war and peace, especially how this can sometimes come to head. At the very beginning of this book – as mentioned in the summary – Olivia’s mother is jailed for protesting a war, while at the same time you learn that Olivia’s grandfather was a Major and served in the War when he was younger. It is a book that teaches you about both sides of the story without forcing the issue and allowing you to make your own informed decision. It is a book that makes you want to research further into things mentioned in the book and it is clear that Anne Booth has done a lot of research herself. This is exactly how I felt upon reading Girl with a White Dog as well. Finally, as a small bonus point, the book also includes a Quaker family which isn’t a usual occurrence in MG or YA books.
One of the first things that struck me was how quickly I connected with the main character. I have never been in her situation but Anne Booth has written her so well that you can empathize with her incredibly easily. You get lost within Olivia’s thoughts – understanding exactly how she is feeling. It is a very talented way of writing and due to this, Olivia was also my favourite character in this book. I thought she was so strong, centered and held strong to her beliefs. It was a treasure to read.
All in all, this book is one that will move you, educate you, entertain you and will stay with you. It is instantly addictive and incredibly difficult to put down once you’ve started reading it. I also think it is a book that will touch a lot of people and one that, just like Girl With A White Dog should be read by everyone. It is powerful, important, and just written so wonderfully that it would be a shame if it was to get lost in the background. So, if you’re looking for a potent and intense read, make sure that you get your hands on this book!
** I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. **
Follow the Tour
ACROSS THE DIVIDE by Anne Booth is out now in paperback (£6.99, Catnip Publishing)
Follow Anne Booth @Bridgeanne and Catnip @catnipbooks for more information.
Will you be reading this book?
