Set in a world like Bletchley Park—home to England’s code-breaking initiative during World War II—Beautiful Blue World is a thrilling and moving story of children who become the key to winning a war. Imagine The Imitation Game with children in the Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley roles, as written by an acclaimed author.
At twelve, Mathilde Joss is the oldest child in a loving family. Her country has been at war for years, and bombing and food shortages continue to increase. When the army announces that children over twelve can take a test to be chosen to serve their country, and that the relatives of children who serve will be well paid, Mathilde decides to take the test to help her family, even though she knows that it is her brilliant best friend Megs who will be selected.
What follows is a gripping and suspenseful reimagining of war, where even kindness can be a weapon, and children have the power to see what adults cannot. It is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking.
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Mathilde is timid and strong, childlike and complex, vividly narrating her story in great detail, encompassing myriad characters and events, all without censoring her fears and confusion about the nature of war and a world turned upside down, while somehow still managing to believe something better is possible. Deeply emotional, compelling, and brilliant.
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Kirkus Reviews starred review