'The Crossing' by Catherine Norton
The setting for this novel is a city divided by a wall. It is reminiscent of the Berlin Wall and other boundaries separating cities and countries. There is a secret that Cara holds close and it is only through flashbacks that this secret is revealed bit by bit. There is no acknowledgement at the beginning of a chapter that this scene is a flashback, only a change in tense informs the reader that time has moved back.
I enjoyed reading this story and felt for Cara being left alone and the sole responsibility for her sister as her parents are away for work. A rather large task for a twelve year old having to fend for herself and her sister in a city where everything is rationed, even food. I felt the ending was rushed, as if the author was informed that she had to finish the story in two pages. I think the idea was to make the story feel fast moving as the climax approaches, but it felt as if something was missing. That said, I would recommend this book to all as a good enjoyable read. Not to mention the themes of friendship, betrayal and oppressiveness open the way for much thoughtful discussion.
Synopsis: 'Cara has grown up in the shadow of the Wall, in a closed world of food shortages and high security. Her parents are dedicated to their secret work for the government, and it’s only a matter of time before her gifted younger sister follows in their footsteps.
It’s all Cara has ever known, until the summer she meets Ava and Leon. Ava doesn’t care about rules. Nothing will ever be the same. '
The setting for this novel is a city divided by a wall. It is reminiscent of the Berlin Wall and other boundaries separating cities and countries. There is a secret that Cara holds close and it is only through flashbacks that this secret is revealed bit by bit. There is no acknowledgement at the beginning of a chapter that this scene is a flashback, only a change in tense informs the reader that time has moved back.
I enjoyed reading this story and felt for Cara being left alone and the sole responsibility for her sister as her parents are away for work. A rather large task for a twelve year old having to fend for herself and her sister in a city where everything is rationed, even food. I felt the ending was rushed, as if the author was informed that she had to finish the story in two pages. I think the idea was to make the story feel fast moving as the climax approaches, but it felt as if something was missing. That said, I would recommend this book to all as a good enjoyable read. Not to mention the themes of friendship, betrayal and oppressiveness open the way for much thoughtful discussion.
Synopsis: 'Cara has grown up in the shadow of the Wall, in a closed world of food shortages and high security. Her parents are dedicated to their secret work for the government, and it’s only a matter of time before her gifted younger sister follows in their footsteps.
It’s all Cara has ever known, until the summer she meets Ava and Leon. Ava doesn’t care about rules. Nothing will ever be the same. '
