The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry: Book Review

The Secret Book of Flora Lea is the story of two sisters who were evacuated from London in WWII and the mystery behind the disappearance of one of the girls.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to my local library for purchasing this audiobook.

From The Publisher:

1939: Fourteen-year-old Hazel and five-year-old Flora evacuate their London home for a rural village to escape the horrors of the Second World War. Living with the Aberdeen family in a charming stone cottage, Hazel distracts her young sister with a fairy tale about a magical land, a secret place they can escape to that is all their own: Whisperwood.

But the unthinkable happens when Flora suddenly vanishes after playing near the banks of the River Thames. Shattered, Hazel blames herself for her sister’s disappearance, carrying the guilt into adulthood.

Twenty years later, Hazel is back in London, ready to move on from her job at a cozy rare bookstore for a career at Sotheby’s. With a cherished boyfriend and an upcoming Paris getaway, Hazel’s future seems set. But her tidy life is turned upside down when she unwraps a package containing a picture book called Whisperwood and the River of Stars. Hazel never told a soul about the storybook world she created just for Flora. Could this book hold the secrets to Flora’s disappearance? Could it be a sign that her beloved sister is still alive after all these years? Or is something sinister at play?

My Thoughts:

If you’re looking for a historical fiction book with fairy tale qualities look no further. The Secret Book of Flora Lea is a story of family love and perseverance in the face of adversity. I enjoyed it.

Fourteen-year-old Hazel and her five-year-old sister Flora are sent away from their London home to a rural village as part of the Pied Piper program during WWII. They are lucky enough to be chosen by a woman and her son who welcome the two with open arms. Hazel has created a magical make-believe land to distract Flora from the war and the change that is happening around them and Flora loves these stories.

Flora suddenly disappears during an outing with Hazel everything changes. Flora is never found and the mystery of what happens to her continues to haunt Hazel decades later. When Hazel discovers what could be a big clue to Flora’s disappearance she risks all in hopes of finally learning the truth.

I appreciated learning more about this time in history and can only imagine how difficult it would be to send your children away. Hazel and Flora’s characters are well-developed and their love for one another is evident. The heartbreak and feelings of guilt, when Flora disappears, are palpable. The conclusion of this story is believable and did not disappoint.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book which was narrated by Cynthia Erivo. Her tone and quality of her voice felt as though she was whispering as she was telling a fairy tale – this took me a little while to get used to but found it effective. Those that enjoy audiobooks may wish to choose this format.

Another Book I’ve Reviewed Written by Patti Callahan Henry:

Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan