*Blog Tour: The Child on Platform One by Gill Thompson

I'm on the blog tour today for the fabulous The Child on Platform One by Gill Thompson. I received a free e-copy from the publisher in order to take part in the tour.

Having loved Gill's first book The Oceans Between Us (REVIEW) I couldn't wait to read her second book and am thrilled to take part in the blog tour this month.  The e-book came out on 1st December.

Inspired by the real-life escape of thousands of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe on the Kindertransport trains to London, the new novel from the author of The Oceans Between Us Gill Thompson. For readers of The Tattooist of Auschwitz Heather Morris, My Name is Eva by Suzanne Goldring and A View Across the Rooftops by Suzanne Kelman.

'OH MY HEART! Moved me DEEP FROM WITHIN. I cannot recommend it enough' The Writing Garnet

'I was RIVETED... I LOVED the book *****' I'm Hooked on Books

Prague 1939. Young mother Eva has a secret from her past. When the Nazis invade, Eva knows the only way to keep her daughter Miriam safe is to send her away - even if it means never seeing her again. But when Eva is taken to a concentration camp, her secret is at risk of being exposed.

In London, Pamela volunteers to help find places for the Jewish children arrived from Europe. Befriending one unclaimed little girl, Pamela brings her home. It is only when her young son enlists in the RAF that Pamela realises how easily her own world could come crashing down.

My thoughts?

Young mum Eva has a secret from her past which she's kept hidden from her husband. When the Nazis invade Prague she knows she must send her young daughter Miriam away to England on the Kindertransport train. Even if it heart breakingly means she'll never see her again she feels she's got to put her safety first. 

Pamela who is married to Hugh, who works in the war office volunteers to help find homes for the Jewish children arriving on the trains. She befriends one little girl and brings her home. Her beloved son, Will secretly joins the RAF which while heroic means months of anguish for her.  

Eva's husband Josef works as a scientist, which gives them flimsy security but when he's asked to do a special job for the Nazis he refuses. They know it's only a matter of time before they come for them.. Life in camp is hard and Eva's parents who have spend 50 years together are heart breakingly torn apart. Life is a constant struggle. Surprisingly, music is allowed and Eva, a talented pianist joins the group where she meets truly gifted Hana, a young girl to whom she's drawn to. Eva sees someone from her past who she hopes will be able to help Hana when the time comes.  

The stories are very cleverly intertwined and based on real life. I just couldn't put it down - it made me happy, angry, sad and there are also some incredibly joyful moments within the pages (it also made me cry). An incredible read which I thoroughly recommend.