Lucille Abendanon

The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree is a breathtaking middle-grade novel that many adults also enjoy. Lucille Abendanon is a debut author from whom I hope we hear more in the future. The novel is a WWII story set in the Dutch East Indies rather than Europe, as most are. The story is related through the protagonist, Emmy, a twelve-year-old girl who lives a very nice life and whose best friend is the son of the family’s servant. WWII is waging in other places, but nobody thinks it will affect Batavia (modern-day Jakarta, Indonesia.) However, the Japanese invade the island, and Emmy’s life is changed forever. She is separated from her father and sent to an internment camp for women and children.
Abendanon’s descriptions of Batavia paint a vivid picture for the reader, whether it be the lush, beautiful garden area of Emmy’s house, the dust and bustle of the streets of Batavia, or the sparse nightmarish internment camp. Her writing is spare, not overly flowery, yet gives a complete picture of the sights and events. The reader feels Emmy’s desperation, confusion, and sadness.
The novel is based on the experiences of the author’s grandmother. The conditions described in the internment camp are harsh but not overly so for younger readers. I think this is an exceptional educational book for all ages.
Thank you to NetGalley and North Star Editions for the ARC.… (plus d'informations)