Review: Skylark and Wallcreeper

Skylark and Wallcreeper by Anne O'Brien Carelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you enjoy historical fiction, then you must read this book. Having spent time in France during college and loving all things French, I will never turn down the opportunity to read a book that involves my favorite destination. Many people will tell you that this book is about the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy and World War II. Those two events don't seem to fit together, but O'brien has magically woven them together.

Lily's grandmother is evacuated from her nursing home during Hurricane Sandy to an armory. Lily decides to stay with her grandmother because it will be safer than returning home but also because she is worried about her. The story alternates from Lily's perspective to that of her grandmother, Colette, as a child living in the south of France during World War II. Colette is part of the French resistance and takes on very dangerous missions. During the chapters about Colette, we see a side of Lily's grandmother that she has never seen.

After Lily loses her grandmothers favorite pen, she goes on a search to find it. During this search, Lily discovers the truth about Colette's childhood. While this book takes place during two very important events, I would tell you that this book is about the love of family. It's about doing all you can to make sure those you love are happy and safe. While Lily has always loved and respected her grandmother, finding out about her grandmother's past makes her realize that Colette is the bravest person she's ever met; this frail old woman is truly a hero.

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