STRANGERS IN TIME by David Balducci

STRANGERS IN TIME by David Balducci

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5 stars

Balducci turns his amazing writing prowess to a complete change of pace for him from his typical thrillers: a moving, resonant historical fiction novel about two teens trying to survive the German bombings of London towards the end of World War II. Balducci backs his book with intimate details of how the war gravely impacted so many different people, and how the bombs indiscriminately fell on both rich and poor. From huddling in dark dank crumbling subway bomb shelters, a scarcity of any food in addition to strict ration books, mayhem and crime in the streets as people desperately try to survive, soldiers and espionage, air wardens, caring for the deeply wounded by nurses and women volunteers…the day-to-day intensity of making it through war in London comes vividly to life.

Charlie Matters, age 16, has been raised in the poor slum section of London by his grandmother, after his dad dies on the front lines in France and his mom gets hit by a bomb. He and his gran are barely making ends meet. Charlie drops out of school and turns to both day labor of any kind he can find along with petty crime to help feed them.  In the midst of robbing the till at a bookshop owned by Ignatius Oliver, who took it over after his wife died, Charlie has an attack of conscience and goes back the next day to return the money to the man who’s clearly struggling himself. This brings him into a complicated relationship with the bookshop owner, who ultimately sees the goodness and courage it took for Charlie to return the stolen items and draws them together in a increasingly protective bond.

Molly Wakefield, age 15, had been sent off to the London countryside along with thousands of other London children to adoptive families who took them in for pay. She loves her adoptive family, has had a great education, and learned exceptional nursing skills while working as a volunteer for the local hospital. But when her Dad stops sending funds to cover her expenses, Molly returns to London to find both him and her Mom missing from her wealthy home. Molly’s quest to find out what happened to them intersects with Charlie, and then with Ignatius.

Charlie, Molly and Ignatius form a tight trio of friendship and surrogate family, driven together by the despair and loneliness of war as well as the vulnerability of both teens who need both protection and a home base. The twisty plot keeps you reading avidly along, and what emerges is hope in the resiliency of the children as post-war survivors. Balducci’s war time London stays with you powerfully.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

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Stacy DeBroff
Stacy DeBroff
Stacy DeBroff, founder and CEO of Mom Central.com and social and digital consultancy, Influence Central, is a social media strategist, attorney, and best-selling parenting author. A sought-after expert for national media, she trend-spots regularly with national brands and speaks frequently to national and international audiences on a wide range of subjects, including influencer marketing, social media, entrepreneurship, and consumer trends. A passionate cook, gardener, reader, and tennis player, she adores this new chapter of post-college-age parenting.
Stacy DeBroff