A gloriously evocative and touching read, capable of chattering with energy one minute and settling into an expressive silence the next. It feels as though the author has a cherished connection to the memories of 11 year old Anthony during the Second World War; she skillfully captures his playfulness, excitement, bewilderment and fear. The Welsh mining village and surrounding hills where Anthony lives is brought vibrantly to life, full to the brim with gossip, bustle and affection. The villager’s war is fought on the home front; from the inadequately provisioned home guard, to the men down the mine and most intimately of all, in the mind of one small boy. Through the smiles, laughter, sorrow and tears this novel leaves a satisfying feeling of warmth, and is quite simply a joy to read.
The idea of the war coming to their small, impoverished Welsh mining village always seemed remote, but with the fireball of a downed German aircraft, and the place crawling with Americans preparing for the invasion of France, young Anthony and his Bevan Boy elder brothers find their world turned upside down. But as well as excitement, war brings distrust, envy, lies and danger, and as tension and anger mount, the villagers find themselves hopelessly divided. Confused and afraid, it falls to Anthony, an 11 year-old in wellies, to search out the truth. A wonderful World War 2 page-turner with beautifully drawn characters and dialogue that will have you beaming from ear to ear one moment, and wiping your eyes the next, Shoes For Anthony is Emma Kennedy's first adult novel.
'Moving, memorable and magnificent' -- Clare Balding
Author
About Emma Kennedy
Emma Kennedy is the author of nine books, including bestsellers The Tent the Bucket and Me and I Left My Tent in San Francisco. She has also written the Wilma Tenderfoot series for children. She has adapted The Tent the Bucket and Me for BBC1, renamed The Kennedys and is a regular writer on CBBC's Strange Hill High and Dangermouse. She is also an actress and has appeared in many award winning comedies including Goodness Gracious Me, People Like Us and Miranda. She is the Fun Editor at Tatler, won Celebrity Masterchef in 2012 and is a Guinness World Record holder.
