Just finished this extraordinary book. This habit of reading with my twelve year old daughter has its risks (The Sisterhood of Travelling Pants was a waste of time) but most certainly has its rewarding moments too. This book was one of the more pleasant experiences. Mary Hooper explores the Great Plague of London through the eyes of a young village girl, Hannah. It actually reminded me of the old saying that history is all lies except names and literature is all truth barring names. But this story is more than a historical fiction, this is a story of adolescent empathy and courage. This is a story of a heart full of love and life. Of a soul that knows the value of being alive and can risk much to protect another living soul and by the same logic pay reverence to a life extinguished.
"Whatever does not break me, makes me stronger" (Nietzsche)
Living in the shadows of the fast moving death, apprehending that your turn is just round the corner and desperate to avoid the unavoidable is a make or break experience. And if it does not break, it most certainly imparts a strength of character only such grave calamities are capable of bestowing.
Its an experience you would like your twelve year old daughter to have. All twelve year olds to have.
"Whatever does not break me, makes me stronger" (Nietzsche)
Living in the shadows of the fast moving death, apprehending that your turn is just round the corner and desperate to avoid the unavoidable is a make or break experience. And if it does not break, it most certainly imparts a strength of character only such grave calamities are capable of bestowing.
Its an experience you would like your twelve year old daughter to have. All twelve year olds to have.
