In the Lamplight
Illustrator: Brian Simmonds
Publisher: Fremantle Press
Published: April 2018
Genre: Children's
A wonderful stand-alone story in its own right, this beautifully produced book from Fremantle Press is also the perfect conclusion to the war trilogy which began with Lighthouse Girl and Light Horse Boy. An excellent resource for history teachers, it covers major events in WWI history including the rise of the suffragette movement, the Spanish influenza pandemic and the close ties between British and Australian troops, all viewed through the eyes of young Rose O’Reilly. Rose describes the horrors and deprivations of wartime and admires the courage and tenacity of the wounded soldiers and the nurses who care for them. Interspersed with her poignant tale are diary entries embellished with actual photographs, historical documents, pressed flowers, letters, postcards and telegrams. Threads from the previous two books are seamlessly interwoven through the story and Brian Simmonds’ evocative charcoal sketches add depth and emotion alongside the historical artefacts. Highly recommended.