Book Review

A Winter Of Spies by Gerard Whelan.

 

 

Setting/themes

A Winter Of Spies is set in Ireland in 1920 during `The War of Independence`. The main themes in this novel include fighting, secrecy and keeping the Conway family safe.

 

 

 

Characters/Plot

The main characters in this story are 11 year old Sarah Conway her parents and siblings, her uncle Martin Ford and family friend Simon Hughes.

This story mainly involves Sarah Conway. Sarah is a rebel child and always wants to be involved in everything : fighting, freeing Ireland, and violence of any sort . She sees her Father as a boring man but there`s lots she doesn`t know about him. James (Sarah`s father) is very much involved in this war . Him, Simon and Martin play an important part in freeing Ireland. Sarah is a curious child and when the new neighbours move in her and her family think they might be being watched by the strange men. James is trying constantly to protect his family and Sarah is finally realizing this.  Sarah becomes a small but important part in this war.  But a horrific sight she saw in Sackville street turns her off guns and gory forever...

 

 

 

Style of writing

This novel is both a balanced combination of narrative and dialogue. This story is conveyed in Sarah’s eyes she sees the world as if it were one big game she doesn`t see the danger of this war. She gets annoyed at her family for trying to protect her she thinks they try to keep her from being a part of theriots in Dublin . Sarah notices a lot of important things almost like a spy. The book involves secret meetings with Michael Collins, shooting , family problems and so on.

 

 

my view

I think this book is really exciting something fascinating or tragic happens on every page . You`ll really want to know what happens next ! Highly Recommended.

 

 

By katie Hayes :)