When England was thrown into the clutches of war in 1939, Leila was only five years old. For a carefree, happy child, her world was suddenly turned upside down.
When England was thrown into the clutches of war in 1939, Leila was only five years old. For a carefree, happy child, her world was suddenly turned upside down. She, along with her eleven-year-old sister Sybil, were sent from Worthing, Sussex to Ollerton near Nottingham, in 1941, as all children were being evacuated to safer places. For some children, this change may have come as an adventure, but for Leila, nothing could have been harder. In time, she settled down with the kind family. Their amusing letters sent home are included. They give a fascinating glimpse into history. Their foster mother's letters complaining about Leila are hilarious. This book for children needs to be read together with a grandparent or parent. Now, after all these years, Leila wonders whether this idea of sending children away from their parents in the circumstances of war is, in fact, a good idea at all. Would one rather risk keeping their children with them, so they don't have to live with the trauma of separation? Food for thought.