Reviewed by Clare Brook
Sara Pennypacker is the author of several acclaimed novels for middle-grade readers, her latest historical fiction novel, The Lions’ Run, is set in France during the German occupation of WWII. Reading this novel brought to mind a Winston Churchill quote – “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. Historical fiction then has an important role in educating children about events that they could not imagine happening in their time.
Lucas is the protagonist, an orphan who was abandoned at birth and longs for a real family. Lucas sees himself as a coward as he is unable to stand up to the bullies at the orphanage. But it becomes clear that he is very brave, his moral compass inspires some drastic actions. This brave version of Lucas first becomes apparent when he rescues a litter of kittens after two bullies put them in a sack, which is then thrown into the river. He realises he can be brave when it really counts. Knowing this he volunteers to pass messages to help the Resistance movement.
The most daring feat of bravery is inspired by a teenage mother who is forced to give up her baby fathered by a German. They meet when he delivers groceries to the Lebensborn. The Lebensborn was a maternity home for French girls who were having German soldiers’ babies, a little-known fact about the war which will enlighten adults and children alike. That is as much as can be said regarding the plot, although I could add there is a horse weaved into the plot. It is a nail-biter!
This novel carries important knowledge about the war, certainly vital information of which children should be aware. But also it carries the message not to judge yourself harshly, or anyone else, for one never knows what will be accomplished in extreme circumstances. And, I think, not to expect too much of your young self as a child or teenager. It is now known that maturity is settled in the early twenties. Unfortunately, children caught in a war must learn harsh lessons very early in life. Lucas was one of these children.
Historical novels cannot include every detail from the era; this novel is no different; instead concentrating on the plot and its protagonist. It gives a credible outline, missing out on some main actors, the Russians for instance, and perhaps gives a glowing pictures of America that, although is not warranted in the current climate, during the war it was a beacon of hope. Perhaps it will be again. But it certainly provides enough information for children to know that it was the most horrible of times. Pennypacker uses one section of the plot to illustrate the famous opening lines of Charles Dickens novel A Tales of Two Cities – It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity. This was a clever intertextual reference, explaining perfectly Lucas’ situation, while illustrating and expanding Dickens’ text for deeper understanding.
This is a most commendable novel, which hopefully will be included in school libraries.
by Sara Pennypacker
(2026)
Hachette Australia
Hardback
ISBN: 9781444978780
$24.99; 256pp
eBook
ISBN: 9781444985207
$12.99
Audiobook
ISBN: 9781444987522
$22.99