Book Review: Strangers in Time

Surprisingly, I've never read a David Baldacci novel before. The name is familiar and popular, but this was my first foray, with Strangers in Time. Isn't this cover beautiful? I snagged the audio book version from my library and was really enjoying listening to the narration. Sadly, it came due (large hold list) and I was able to finish reading the book in large print, hardback form (less demand). I'm wishing I'd been able to hear the whole novel.

Charlie Matters is a 14-year-old who knows his way around London. He knows his way around rules, as well. When he robs The Book Keep bookshop, his conscience gets the better of him and returns the money and the book. Ignatius Oliver, the owner, insists on giving him the book. Charlie is tempted to sell the book. It could bring him 5 pounds and that might go a long way to helping Charlie and his grandmother keep up with bills.

Molly Wakefield is returning to her posh London home, after a spell away in the country for safety. She expects to find her mother and father at home, but is greeted by only her nanny. She hires Charlie to help her look for her father, but they have no success. Charlie, Molly, and Ignatius weather the storms of war together and look out for each other. They each carry heavy personal burdens, but bearing it together lightens the load.

The narration sucked me into the story. Yet, I had a harder time staying riveted when reading on my own. The book has likeable characters and brings wartime London to life. It is quite like many other WWII novels, but the writing is clean and good. I would be willing try another by this author, but perhaps not another war novel.