I read this many years ago, when I was completely unfamiliar with its setting. Now the places and the language are second nature to be, and it's funny to read it and remember how accessible I found it originally, despite its strong sense of place and time. This is the kind of book that could be described as a "ripping-good adventure yarn", but I did enjoy it again this time round. A fair amount of mid twentieth century attitudes displayed, as you would expect, I laughed when the predominant girl in the story was the one who had to comfort a sobbing comrade, but it was an interesting read.

I read this in primary school (the 80's) and loved it. It transported me to a time and place in history and I was completely immersed in the story from start to finish.

I highly recommend this grade 5-7!!!

A story I remember ever so vividly and re-read many times as a youngster

2 Stars

My nan made me read this book and it took me so long to read because I hated it so much. My cousins make fun of how much I hated it

I read this poorly for the first half (in small chunks) and then in one or two grand sweeps during the second half and this affected my feelings towards the book. If I had read it in greater chunks then I think I would have given it a higher rating. The writing is very well done and the characters are all well drawn, it's pacey (esp. the second half) and it's clear that Westall knows his history. The place, artefacts and people certainly felt like 'real' people. A few words may be questionable when read in class but careful planning would avoid these issues.