Beyond That, the Sea

In 1940, bombs fall on London and Beatrix, aged 11, is sent to the US until the war is over. It was a difficult decision for her parents Reginald and Millie but they want theire child to have a childhood in peace. When they send her away, they do not know that she will stay there for five years. In Boston, the Gregorys welcome the shy, british girl in their family. Ethan and Nancy have two boys. William is a few years older than Beatrix and Gerald a little younger. They become her second family. Beatrix becomes Bea and she spends the summers in Maine in the big house on a private island. They happiest months of her life. When in 1945 her mother sends a ticket for a ship to bring her home, she does not know anymore where home is. Her father has died, her mother re-married. But she must go. This is a wonderfully book about family, friendship, love and loss. Written in short chapters, changing the point of view each time. It will certainly be on my favourite books of the year list; probably right on top! I read it as slowly as possibel. I often read English books on my e-reader as the print tends to be very small and was disappointed I could not get an e-version. But then I understood, that this layout could not be converted into an e-book. You can always see on the bottom of the page, in which year you are. Direct speach is not in inverted comas but in different print. Such a well-made book!