I'm very excited that I get to meet him this week thanks to Sydney Writer's Festival! But I'm a little sad I didn't get time to read Exposure as well. Needless to say, I'll get to it when I can.
Tamar is made up of two stories: one set in Holland in 1944-45 and one set in England in 1995. They overlap, interweave and are tied in more ways than are instantly clear.
In 1995 Tamar, a fifteen year old girl, witnesses the declining physical and mental health of her grandmother, while her grandfather becomes more distant and eventually commits suicide. Her father, the link between that side of the family disappeared without a trace years earlier.
In 1944 two Dutch operatives, code-names Dart and Tamar are parachuted back into Holland after training in the UK to help organise the resistance.
Like the others of Peet's books, this one is brilliantly written. He has a way of crafting words that is inspirational. This compelling novel looks at only some of the devastating generational effects of war on those who fought, or were witness to the horrible things that happened.
I should point out, that I have never had what could be described as 'an interest' in modern history, historical fiction set in recent times, or war in general. Ancient, mythical and magical has always been a lot more engaging for me. But if more of it were written at the high standard that Mal Peet has set, then I would be interested. Between Tamar and Life, I've discovered that when in the hands of the right storyteller, topics outside of my comfort zone are a must read! I mean, look at how Mal got me reading about football (soccer) - and loving it! (not the sport *shudder*, the reading about it...)
Have I convinced you yet to read any of his books? Let me know if I haven't and I'll try harder!
Find it on Goodreads
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