The Rescue of Ravenwood by Natasha Farrant
When we heard that Faber were looking for bookshops that would like to put in a window to celebrate the latest Natasha Farrant book we jumped at the chance. A few years ago thanks to a conversation with a customer I picked up a copy of Voyage of the Sparrowhawk- what a wonderful adventure;
In the aftermath of World War One, everyone is trying to rebuild their lives. If Ben is to avoid being sent back to the orphanage, he needs to find his brother Sam, wounded in action and is now missing.
Lotti's horrible aunt and uncle want to send her away to boarding-school (when she has just so successfully managed to get expelled from her last one!). And Clara, their young teacher, is waiting for news of her missing fiance . .
. Just as they think they've found their feet in the new order, disaster strikes, and Lotti and Ben must get away. And so they hatch a plan - to cross the Channel on Ben's narrowboat and find Sam.
And Natasha's latest book is a total must read- a book that shows a group of children fighting for something they treasure, a place where they've all found sanctuary. To Bea and Raffy Ravenswood is their home, reminiscent of the faded grandeur in 'I Capture The Castle'. Ravenswood is the type of house and garden that allows them to be free, to explore and enjoy the natural world around them and most of all to be children.
The house is to be sold. The children feel they have no choice but to accept the decisions being made by the adults. But as we know no-one is too small to make a difference! The friendships are brilliantly drawn and the hot headedness of youth is refreshing. I can't wait to share this book with lots of young readers.