Customer Reviews

Kindergarten

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I read this book when it first came out, and have since read it several times. It is an extraordinarily moving story about modern English children who, because of an act of political terrorism by which they are directly affected, are brought to confront the meaning of the Holocaust from the standpoint of children. The novel is written with a somber simplicity and elegance, yet it succeeds in evoking not just the events themselves, but the whole cultural context of modern European history. It contains, for instance, one of the most frightening versions of the Hansel and Gretel story that you are ever likely to read. This book is definitely not recommended for children, but it would be hard to imagine any adult not finding it a wonderful experience.

I really enjoyed it, but I must admit that I was left wanting more at the end. It is a story told in snippets, in gasping breaths almost. Some parts were more emotional than others, I never actually cried, just felt on the verge of tears several times. It was a good book, but i wanted to hear more of Lilli's story. And more of their mother's. I think this would be a good book for a book club because of the many layers and the fairy tale aspect as well. Unfortunately, it is not the easiest of books to find. All in all, I liked it a lot!

This is a short book which brings memories and deeper thoughts to the surface. For anyone who merely wishes something to pass the time during a train journey, sorry, but you're in the wrong place. Rushforth's excellent prose draws the reader through various times into a work which is both dark and enlightening; a memory of times past and, perhaps, a warning of future times.

Since it was first published I have read this book many times, and have purchased at least five copies.

Peter Rushforth died recently, shortly after the publication of Pinkerton's Sister and before the publication of Dead Language, both of which show the skill and literary knowledge of a man who (even at 60) died before his time.

A holiday tale which will haunt your idle moments long past Christmas.
Questions raised in one's mind which possibly are unanswerable.
Tearful, yet not entirely without hope.