The Secret Book of Flora Lea

I really don't read much historical fiction set during WW2, but this beautifully written story really captured my heart.

I blindly picked up this book only knowing it was historical fiction. I'd read Once Upon A Wardrobe by Patti Callahan Henry a while back and enjoyed it, so when this came up as a Book of the Month pick last year, I selected it without even glancing at the synopsis.    Like many children living in London during World War II, Hazel and Flora are sent to the country away. The girls spend their days lost in stories about the ‘Whisperwood' to distract themselves from the horrors of war — a secret story only the two of them know. Despite having been taken in by a loving mother and her son, a different tragedy hits their family when Flora disappears.    Years later and into adulthood, Hazel still holds out hope that her little sister will be found. She doesn't believe her sister drowned as many speculate. When she comes across a book at work depicting the ‘Whisperwood', she is certain it will lead her to Flora.    Paired with the rich historical setting, the mystery is one I found myself so invested in that I listened to/read it in one sitting. Despite wanting to know how everything works out immediately, I didn't find myself wholly invested in the characters. I'm not sure why. They were all likable and even though there were some dark themes running through it, there was ultimately a cozy atmosphere. Whatever the case, it was still a sweet book. 

It held my interest, and I liked the fairy tale quality of it and main characters. I wanted to live in Oxfordshire with them, and be friends with Harry. I never quite understood why folks were attracted to Hazel or some of her decisions but overall recommend.

I loved it! This book had...  • Delightful literary references.  • Scenes that moved back and forth between 1960 and 1939/1940  • Characters that I loved  • Descriptions of places that made me want to visit them.  • A resolution that I couldn't guess  Healing from trauma  A good “spring” book.

This was a well told story about a little known aspect of the World War II evacuation to the countryside of British children. Very emotional with a tight plot that kept me listening. And Cynthia Erivo's narration was outstanding.