‘An outstanding book made more poignant as it’s threaded with events that actually happened. The characters and their moving stories will haunt you long after you finish the last page’ Shirley Dickson, author of The Orphan Sisters‘OH MY HEART! Moved me DEEP FROM WITHIN. I cannot recommend it enough’ The Writing Garnet‘I was RIVETED… I LOVED the book *****’ I’m Hooked on BooksInspired by the … Garnet
‘I was RIVETED… I LOVED the book *****’ I’m Hooked on Books
Inspired by the real-life escape of thousands of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe on the Kindertransport trains to London, the new novel from the author of The Oceans Between Us Gill Thompson. For readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz Heather Morris, My Name is Eva by Suzanne Goldring and A View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman.
Prague 1939. Young mother Eva has a secret from her past. When the Nazis invade, Eva knows the only way to keep her daughter Miriam safe is to send her away – even if it means never seeing her again. But when Eva is taken to a concentration camp, her secret is at risk of being exposed.
In London, Pamela volunteers to help find places for the Jewish children arrived from Europe. Befriending one unclaimed little girl, Pamela brings her home. It is only when her young son enlists in the RAF that Pamela realises how easily her own world could come crashing down.
Some of the 5* reader reviews for THE CHILD ON PLATFORM ONE:
‘Such a gorgeous book. I loved and believed in all the characters, and thoroughly enjoyed their stories. Incredibly researched, it felt authentic. And the ending moved me to tears *****’
‘OMG What an incredible read. It was so emotional about a Jewish girl. I was engrossed from start to finish and would highly recommend this book *****’
‘This book was incredible… The story is realistic and believable. Once you start reading you will not want to stop *****’
‘An emotional, haunting book filled with secrets throughout. Excellent *****’
‘I loved the book and the way it was written. I will be reading more novels by Gill Thompson in the future as her interweaving of events with fictional characters is remarkable *****’
‘This was a great book! There are secrets you will not see coming, but it makes it more heartwarming *****’
‘It’s not your normal evacuee story as it’s intertwined with other stories which I really enjoyed. It had me gripped. I will be looking out for more books by this author *****’
‘This is a very good book. I recommend you read *****’
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The Child on Platform One is a beautifully written and structured novel about the plight of children during terror and war. In the 1930s, a few trains full of beloved children are sent to the safety of England, while Hitler stomps across eastern Europe in all the power of his hate-filled rampage.
Gill Thompson has done justice to a dreadful time by giving us the tale of Miriam, sent abroad from Prague by her loving mother as the Nazi regime crushes Jewish communities.
At the same time, Pamela, the Quaker wife of a high-ranking British official, learns that her beloved son Will has enlisted in the RAF. For much of the time, neither of these mothers knows whether her child is safe or even alive.
It’s heartbreaking.
While Pamela cares for Miriam, Miriam’s mother Eva and the rest of her family are sent to Terezin, suffering the atrocious conditions and the inhumane brutality of the camps. The bravery, humanity, culture and resilience of the prisoners is shown as they voice their protests in the concerts they are allowed. Their actions contrast strongly with the arbitrary cruelty of the Nazis.
And then there is Auschwitz.
The characters are marvellous and very engaging, and the lightly emotive touch of the writing gives just enough that the reader is drawn in completely to the drama, but not weighed down by the horrific history. Eva is wonderful, and the introduction of Hana later in the narrative is a brilliant reminder of the connections we all share.
The power of love during dreadful times, love that endures beyond privation, torture and death, is testament to the courage and spirit of survivors as well as the dead.
A really good read for anyone interested in WWII, this book tells the story of Czech Jews, a lesser-known history which continues a little into the Soviet era. If you liked The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Tattooist of Auschwitz, All the Light We Cannot See, and The Book Thief, you will love this addition to our knowledge and understanding of the trials and griefs of the time.
This novel will stand the test of time, and I would love to see it on screen.
I enjoyed the suspenseful plot and admirable and realistic characters. Another good WW2 novel worth reading. Also had a lot of detail.
Sad but very good
Very good historical novel
What a wonderful book. It gives a lot of information about what happened during
WW2. My heart broke because the children had to leave their families yet I’m glad that other people opened their homes and took them in during a time when everything was rationed and gave them a safe haven.
One sister was conceived during her mom’s rape and her mom had to give her up only to meet each other at a concentration camp. The other sister had to leave her family and was saved by the English who risked their lives to save hundreds of other children. The only time the 2 met was during the Nuremberg Trials and I’m glad they finally got together to give performance that made their mom proud.
One a pianist and the other a singer,
It was heartwarming as it unfolded at a time in our history where war turned life upside down for so many.
I would give this one a 10. If I tried to tell you about it, I would spoil it for you. It is a page turner and at times will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.
Truly enjoyed the back and forth between the two intertwined stories.
I never knew this happened in history. Really enjoyed reading about information that all should know.
Stories of the Nazi impact on people’s lives always grabs me. It was such a dark period. This was well written. In the midst of so much destruction and evil, there is always bravery and kindness.
A heartwrenching story about life for the Jewish community in Czechoslovakia prior to, during World War II and beyond. Hundreds of children were evacuated, leaving their families and not knowing if they would ever see them again.
Brilliantly written and researched, I have no hesitation in recommending this fabulous read.
Portrays the lives of average women caught in the World War II conflict.
Wow! Gill captivates you right away with her wonderful prose (what a prologue!). A story about two women with very different lives and how they come together during a time of war. I loved the stories of both women (Eva and Pamela), and was equally engrossed. This story is tragic, and sad, but also uplifting and heartwarming. Highly recommended!