Parade of Shadows [Hardcover]

Gloria Whelan (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 10 and up | Grade Level: 5 and up

Sixteen-year-old Julia Hamilton is restless. Determined not to be left behind again—stuck in the cold house where her mother died ten years earlier, with only her dreams to keep her company—Julia begs her father to take her with him on his next expedition. When he unexpectedly agrees, Julia is intrigued. Will this be her chance at adventure and romance?

Traveling across the sands of the ancient world known as the Levant, Julia meets a French antiques collector, a British horticulturist, and a dashing young student—each harboring secrets as elusive as a mirage.

As she learns more about her companions and the dangerous world she's in, Julia must decide whom she can trust . . . and what she is willing to fight for.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Whelan is known for atmospheric, international scene setting….Many teens, however, will be ensnared by the travelogue details, from an Orient Express train ride to a camel caravan from Damascus to Alexandretta, and they will enjoy Julia’s eye-opening moments of “romanticism colliding with reality.” (Booklist )

This engaging tale of the Ottoman Empire prior to World War I…has clear historical lessons for today’s readers about greed and meddling in cultures without understanding them….Whelan has crafted yet another fine work of historical fiction with a likable and strong-willed heroine. (Kirkus Reviews )

“This satisfying read is a romantic adventure in the best tradition by a master of such stories. Julia is a believable product of her time.” (School Library Journal )

“Once again, National Book Award winner Whelan (Homeless Bird) whisks readers to another time and place to experience history in the making….Rather than providing pat answers, this meticulously researched novel, denser than some of the author’s previous works, raises questions about conflict resolution, rebellion and oppression.” (Publishers Weekly )

“The plot is suspenseful…sleeping in tents in the desert, riding camels, being attracted to the wrong guy, and so on. YAs who like historical fiction will enjoy Whelan’s carefully researched work. The cover looks suitably Middle Eastern, with the silhouette of a train crossing a desert promising an adventure.” (KLIATT )

“[Whelan] carries it off with a whirl of intrigues, betrayals, attempted murder, and of course, romance that should render teen readers oblivious to the fact that they’re also getting a crash course in Middle Eastern history.” (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books )

About the Author

National Book Award-winning author Gloria Whelan weaves rich historical detail into this compelling mystery. Ms. Whelan is the bestselling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award, Parade of Shadows, and Listening for Lions. She lives in northern Michigan.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (October 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060890282
• ISBN-13: 978-0060890285
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #547,907 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent work of historical fiction from Gloria Whelan., January 25, 2008

By 

Rebecca Herman (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Parade of Shadows (Hardcover)

It's 1907, and sixteen-year-old Julia Hamilton lives an uneventful life in London, though she dreams of seeing distant places and having exciting adventures. Her mother died of an illness when Julia was very young and her father is often traveling in his work for the British Foreign Office. When she learns her father is to take a trip to the Middle East, she begs to come along, and to her delight, her father agrees.

On the journey, Julia befriends Graham Geddes, a handsome young student from Oxford whom she learns is to be part of their tour group. Graham shows her the sights of the exotic city of Beirut - and also awakens her to the political unrest in the region. Graham is sympathetic to the Young Turks, who wish to reform the Ottoman Empire, a position Julia's father strongly disagrees with. Julia is attracted to Graham but feels torn between him and her father. Their fellow travelers, and even their tour guide, seem to have hidden motives as well.

Parade of Shadows was another excellent historical novel with a unique setting by Gloria Whelan. Julia was a wonderful character - she starts out as a sheltered young girl, but during her journey she matures and becomes more aware of the world around her. In light of the current situation in the Middle East, it seemed particularly relevant to read about the political unrest that existed there a hundred years ago. I'd highly recommend this book to young adult readers who enjoyed the author's previous novels or who enjoy historical fiction

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and Exciting, March 1, 2008

By 

Chelsey "BOOK LOVER!" (Layton, UT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Parade of Shadows (Hardcover)

This book is the first book by Gloria Whelan, and I will definitely be picking up her others sometime soon after reading Parade of Shadows. First, it's historical fiction, which I love. But what really makes this book is the characters. They were so well drawn and real. Julia was feisty, exciting, and an utter joy to read about. Graham was mysterious and it's impossible not to have some feelings for him after you're done reading. The writing was beautiful and mysterious and you could never really tell what was going to happen next. All in all, this was an amazing book (except for the ending, which I thought was anti-climactic.) So. Read this book and you will not be disappointed.