Tertulia Logo
Sign upLog In
Cart Icon0
Cart Icon0
New!Websites for Authors
The co-op bookstore for avid readers
Book Cover for: The Only Blue Door, Joan Fallon

The Only Blue Door

Joan Fallon

Paperback
Regular price$19.99With free membership trial$9.9950% off your first book+ Free shipping
In Stock– Ships within one business day

Do you recommend this book?

Yes!

No

It is September 1940, Maggie and her young siblings, Grace and Billy, are living in the East End of London with their parents. Their father has been killed at Dunkirk and their mother goes into hospital to have her fourth child, leaving the children with a neighbour. In one of the worst bombing raids of World War II their home is destroyed and the neighbour is killed. Bewildered and frightened, the children wander the streets until they are taken in by some nuns. But their problems are not over; no-one can trace their mother and, labelled as orphans, they are sent as child migrants to orphanages in Australia. The story traces their adventures in their new country, the homesickness, the heartbreak when Billy is separated from his sisters and the loneliness of life in a cold and unfeeling orphanage. Eventually the children make new lives for themselves, but Maggie is still convinced that her mother is alive and once she is old enough, begins to search for her.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Joan Fallon
  • Publish Date: Aug 29th, 2013
  • Pages: 428
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 8.00in - 5.25in - 0.87in - 0.97lb
  • EAN: 9780957689138
  • Categories: • Family Life - Siblings• Historical - 20th Century - World War II & Holocaust• Sagas

About the Author

Fallon, Joan: - The Scottish novelist Joan Fallon, currently lives and works in the south of Spain. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction, but has also written a work of non-fiction which has proved the inspiration for at least two of her subsequent novels. Two aspects of Joan's life particularly influence her writing. The first is being a woman who grew up during the sixties and seventies, at a time when it was harder for a woman to gain recognition in a man's world. Consequently almost all her books have a strong female protagonist. The second influence is the fact that she has lived in Spain for the last twenty years. Spanish history and culture fascinate her and have provided some of the most exotic settings in her historical novels.

Praise for this book

siblings who become victims of the good intentions of people believing them to have been orphaned ...

By L Hockin on 1 Mar. 2016

Format: Kindle Edition

Most of us are familiar with child evacuation during World War 2, but I wonder how many know about child migrants who were sent to South Africa, Australia and Canada to avoid danger? The Only Blue Door follows the story of Maggie, Billy and Grace, siblings who become victims of the good intentions of people believing them to have been orphaned during the Blitz. Shipped to Australia to start a new life, the children are separated and so begins Maggie's struggle to prove her mother still lives and to bring the family back together.Based on actual events, this beautifully written story had me gripped and emotionally attached to the characters and their struggles. Apparently well researched, it provides some insight into the long term impact of the events unfolding between 1939 and 1945, without being clichéd. The tireless work and battles with 'red tape' of the organisations involved in evacuation and subsequent repatriation of thousands of children over this period, is aptly represented in the story.The writing style is engaging and accurate, with fully rounded and believable characters. I will not only be recommending this book but also looking to read more of this authors work. Not every story has a happy ending, but maybe this one does?

t of 5 starsOutstanding Human Drama

ByJ. Glenn Baueron 18 April 2014

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and taking the journey with the Smith family.The Only Blue Door is tells the story of how a close-knit family is torn apart by war. The story unfolds from the perspective of two of the children and a number of the key adults. From the news of the death of the father at Dunkirk the lives of this happy family start unravelling as they are split apart. The author skilfully draws the reader into the lives of the family members throughout the book. There are tragic moments and there are happy moments and all absolutely believable and many are emotional.Thank you.