Title: A Little Love Song
Author: Michelle Magorian
First published January 1, 1991
342 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780749710613 (ISBN10: 0749710616)
Rating: 4.2
Overview
In the summer of 1943, Rose feels like the ugly duckling compared to her beautiful older sister, Diana. She’s convinced that no one will ever love her.
But this summer is different. The war has left its mark on their sleepy seaside town, and for the first time, the girls are free of adult restriction.
As Rose explores her new-found freedom, she discovers a love story from another war that becomes more real when she falls in love herself. This is a summer of self-discovery for both sisters, but for Rose, it’s a time to find out that love is not just for the beautiful, and that everyone deserves a little love.
About the Author
Michelle Magorian, a children’s author hailing from Southsea, Portsmouth, was born in 1947. Though she initially pursued acting, studying at Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama and Marcel Marceau’s L’école Internationale de Mime in Paris, Magorian’s passion for children’s literature led her to write her first novel for young readers, Goodnight, Mr. Tom.
It took her four and a half years to complete this celebrated work, which ultimately won The Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize.
Editoral Review
A Little Love Song is a heartwarming romance novel by Michelle Magorian, best known for her award-winning novel Goodnight Mr. Tom. First published in 1991, this book has remained a beloved classic in the YA genre.
Set in the summer of 1943, in the small English coastal town of Westerby-on-Sea, the novel celebrates love, friendship, and self-discovery. The plot revolves around the main character, Rose, a young girl from London who has been sent to live with her Aunt in Westerby-On-Sea during the Second World War.
She quickly becomes enchanted with the seaside town and its charming inhabitants, especially Tom, a gifted musician who captures her heart. As Rose navigates the challenges of growing up, dealing with loss, and trying to fit in with her new surroundings, she discovers the true meaning of love and learns to value what really matters in life.
Magorian’s writing style is simple, yet descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the idyllic coastal setting and its inhabitants. With her charming narratives, the author captures the essence of the 1940s, highlighting the social and cultural norms of that time.
The book also explores themes of class, race, and gender, providing valuable insight into the social struggles of that era. The characters in A Little Love Song are well-developed, each with their unique quirks and personalities.
Rose, the main protagonist, is a relatable character, full of youthful exuberance and curiosity. Her love interest, Tom, is an endearing musician with a heart of gold.
Throughout the story, the characters grow and evolve, becoming more complex and multi-faceted. One of the major strengths of the book is its pacing.
The author takes the time to build the story, allowing readers to become invested in the characters and the setting. The plot unfolds organically, without any contrived twists or turns.
The story progresses smoothly, leading to a satisfying conclusion. While the book may seem light-hearted and charming, it does tackle some heavy themes, such as war, loss, and the search for identity.
However, the author weaves these themes into the narrative seamlessly, without overwhelming the reader. Overall, A Little Love Song is a delightful read that captures the essence of youth, love, and the human spirit.
It’s an excellent introduction to historical fiction, with valuable lessons for young readers. While it may not have the same emotional depth as Magorian’s previous novel, Goodnight Mr. Tom, it’s a worthwhile read in its own right.
For those looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful story that captures the romance and nostalgia of the 1940s, this book is a must-read. Its themes are timeless, appealing to readers of all ages.
It’s a well-crafted novel that will stay with readers long after they finish it. I heartily recommend A Little Love Song to everyone who enjoys a good romance or historical fiction novel.
Rating: 4/5
