by Emma Carroll
Published in 2017
9+ Years
Suggested age group
Historical Fiction | WWII Children’s Fiction
Genre
What is Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll about?
A strange encounter, a mysterious letter, and a gripping mystery to solve.
Letters from the Lighthouse is a historical mystery book about a girl called Olive Bradshaw, who is evacuated from London during the war.
Olive and her younger brother are sent to Devon and live with a mysterious lighthouse keeper. While trying to find out what really happened to her missing sister Sukie, Olive begins uncovering secret messages, hidden tunnels and spies!
Discover our Review and Summary of Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll
The story begins in 1941 with Olive and Cliff Bradshaw, who live in London with their mum and their elder sister, Sukie. One day, while their mother is working a hospital shift, the children decide to go and watch a movie. Suddenly, one of the many bombing raid sirens goes off, turning an ordinary outing into a frightening moment.
When Olive cannot find Sukie, she ventures outside, away from safety, only to catch a glimpse of her beloved sister. Suddenly, something hits her hard on the legs.
Olive later wakes up in hospital, relieved to learn that her family is safe – but her relief is short-lived when she discovers that Sukie is missing. Soon after, the children are evacuated to Devon. In Devon, they are supposed to meet Queenie, Sukie’s pen pal, but things are not at all what they expected.
Life in devon is filled with hard work. Cliff and Olive are sent to work on post. They are just about managing when a new evacuee, Esther, arrives to live with them. After a fight with Esther, Olive and Cliff are sent to stay with the lighthouse keeper, Ephriam – a grumpy, lonely man.
While working as a post girl, Olive finds a secret encoded message and discovers more about Sukie’s disappearance. Will she be able to crack the code, or will she never see Sukie again?
My favourite part of the story is when Olive and Cliff find themselves in a dangerous quicksand situation. They have to work cleverly, using patience instead of panic to rescue Olive. I liked this part because their love and care for each other at that moment made me feel very emotional.
My favourite character is Ephriam because, although he seems grumpy and unkind at first, but as the story progresses, he gradually reveals his good-hearted nature.
Is Letters from the Lighthouse Worth Reading?
Overall, I loved reading this book. I especially enjoyed the author’s descriptive style of writing, as it really brought the world of Olive and Cliff to life. I like reading historical fiction, especially stories set during World War II, and this is my top recommendation in that genre.
I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars because of its adventurous, emotional and powerful storyline. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys history, adventure, and heart-warming friendships.
If you liked Letters from the Lighthouse, you may also like:
Shrapnel Boys by Jenny Pearson, a powerful World War 2 historical fiction set during the London Blitz.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, an emotional story from a child’s perspective in a controlled/harsh society.
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo, which follows a young soldier reflecting on love, family & harsh realities of World War I.
Once Series by Morris Gleitzman: Once | Then | Now | After | Soon | Maybe | Always. Each book follows Felix at different stages of his life.
The Line They Drew Through Us by Hiba Noor Khan, a powerful and emotional story set during the Partition of India.
The Breadwinner Series by Deborah Ellis- following Parvana and Shauzia’s lives in Afghanistan.: The Breadwinner, Parvana’s Journey, Mud City, My Name is Parvana and One More Mountain.
Ada’s story of strength, courage and belonging by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, The War That Saved My Life, The War I Finally Won