The Silver Sword

Ian Serraillier has produced a collection of words that grips you like an ogre’s hands. Never before have I read something like this. I have now seen what it was like for children with only hopes to spur them on in the war, and to travel from Warsaw to Switzerland, as Ruth, Edek Bronia and Jan did. Ruth, the oldest of her brother and sister, Edek and Bronia, was blessed with common sense and a calmness which in every situation was very reassuring, even if she herself was petrified out of her wits. There wasn’t a particular main character, but I  think Jan, a sneaky, sharp, stubborn little pickpocket was the most interesting. I really thought it a dramatic start when Ruth, Edek and Bronia’s mother was taken away by the Nazis in the beginning of the story, making me at once start furiously wondering what would happen next. This collection of words and grammar entranced me like a witch’s spell. It has all a perfect book requires: cliffhangers, excitement, danger and adventure. Any 7 or older child should have the pleasure of turning the pages of this epic tale.