A cleverly written story which will keep the reader on the edge of their seat as they try to separate fact from fiction in a world where all is not as it seems.
Feature image credit: Penguin Books Australia
Mike Lucas has written several books for young adults and children. Most notably, What We All Saw, which was shortlisted for the Readings Book Prize, CBCA Book of the Year, and the Prime Minister’s Literary Award. Lucas is always busy (working as an engineer, owning a bookshop in Blackwood, South Australia, and organising the Adelaide Festival of Children’s Books), but he somehow manages to find time to write.
One By One They Disappear, his latest novel for teens,is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Set in Germany during World War II, we follow the life of 12-year-old Hannah Ginsberg, a German Jew. Her family are forced to leave their home and go into hiding in the attic of a kind family. Their lives are reduced to sleeping during the day and never being able to leave for fear they may be discovered. Hannah loves to read but the only book she has is a compilation of stories written by the Grimm Brothers, given to her by Sofia, the daughter of their protectors.
After a series of distressing circumstances, Hannah is sent away to live in a small village where strange things are happening. She must use all her ingenuity and bravery to find out what is going on and try to save the children before she is found out.
One By One They Disappear is so well-written. Lucas’ ability to create a story which keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end has gone from strength to strength. Each character is well rounded and believable. Each scene is cleverly set and we are drawn into a story of intrigue, during a time when people had to hide their thoughts from everyone. We are often left wondering who we can trust.
Those familiar with fairy tales will notice that there are small nods to different well-known stories throughout the book, as well as a couple of major stories which cleverly bind the plot together. Lucas uses the premise that all fairy tales have some basis in facts. As the plot continues, Lucas cleverly brings all the loose threads together.
One By One They Disappear deals with some quite heavy themes and even though the main character is still quite young, children who are not ready to read about the horrors of war should wait until they are a little older. Those who have some knowledge of what happened to millions of people will understand the terror, hopelessness, and sheer brutality of those war years. It is definitely something that should never be forgotten and this story encourages us to remember and talk about loved ones who have passed.
Reviewed by Sue Mauger
The views expressed in this review belong to the author and not Glam Adelaide, its affiliates, or employees.
Distributed by: Penguin Books Australia
Released: May 2024
RRP: $19.99
More News
