NOVEMBER 2020 - AudioFile
Two narrators deliver this absorbing drama about teachers and students at a British-run missionary school in China at the time of the Japanese occupation. Their lives move from privilege to privation as the 100+ children, sons and daughters of missionaries and diplomats, are relocated, first, to a nearby dilapidated compound and, then, to the grim Weihsien internment camp. Rosie Jones describes the ordeal from the perspective of Nancy, a perceptive and winsome preteen. Her voice, while clearly childlike, resonates with strength and courage. Imogen Church portrays Elspeth Kent, who teaches and comforts while demonstrating an intrepid will to survive. This new WWII story is exceptionally well told. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine
From the Publisher
"Told with a keen eye toward history, but also with compassion and humanity, this is a tale as vast as China itself, and as personal as the workings of an individual soul. Gaynor's story of courage and strength will make you believe in the heroic spirit in each of us." — Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Before We Were Yours and The Book Of Lost Friends
"In her newest novel, Hazel Gaynor brings the reader all the way to Japanese-occupied China...A story of courage, friendship, and humanity in the bleakest of circumstances, Gaynor takes a slice of true history and brings it to vivid life. I loved these characters and rooted for them all the way." — Mary Beth Keane, New York Times bestselling author
“Hazel Gaynor again breathes fresh life into a lost piece of history...While the students and teachers are tested to the limits by the hardship and privations of war, this is ultimately a story of friendship and profound bravery. When We Were Young & Brave is transporting, important, and tremendously moving.” — Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times best-selling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis
“In When We Were Young and Brave, Hazel Gaynor gifts readers with an extraordinary and unique story of war—one unlike any we have read before...With skill, warmth, and delicate grace, Gaynor peels back the layers of research and fact to reveal the tender heart behind this fascinating piece of history.” — Lynda Cohen Loigman, USA Today bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters
"When We Were Young & Brave is a stunning novel of resilience and hope as a Girl Scout troop must brave the hardships of life in a Japanese internment camp during WWII. Set amidst the captivating, colorful backdrop of China, Gaynor enchants with her masterful storytelling...not to be missed!" — Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author
"With her latest, Gaynor unveils a fresh perspective in World War II historical fiction, one that profoundly reveals the power of resilience and community in troubled times. Deeply moving and unforgettable." — Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue
"A compelling story of innocents caught up in the machine of global conflict, so wonderfully written and soul-stirring. Gaynor beautifully explores the heart’s brave struggle to make sense of the upside-down world that is war. Well done!" — Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Last Year of the War
"I couldn't put When We Were Young & Brave down. This wonderful story about the Chefoo's School's courageous educators and tenacious students can teach us all something about the power of hope and perseverance in the face of crisis and uncertainty." — Elise Hooper, acclaimed author of Fast Girls and The Other Alcott
"Hazel Gaynor’s novels are so well researched and so rich in detail that one cannot help but be swept away to a time and place far removed from our own and live the drama through characters so beautifully realized that one walks amongst them. An absolute treat for any reader..." — Liz Nugent, Irish Times #1 bestselling author of Our Little Cruelties
"Important. Heartrending. Hopeful...I was moved to tears...as Gaynor paid witness to the extraordinary bravery and resilience of the teachers and children of Chefoo School…Hazel Gaynor is an author who never fails to shine a bright light onto our historical pasts, making real-life events and characters dance on the page." — Carmel Harrington, Irish Times bestselling author of A Thousand Roads Home
“The latest novel from bestselling English author Hazel Gaynor is reminiscent of J.G. Ballard’s powerful classic Empire of the Sun…” — BookPage
Elise Hooper
"I couldn't put When We Were Young & Brave down. This wonderful story about the Chefoo's School's courageous educators and tenacious students can teach us all something about the power of hope and perseverance in the face of crisis and uncertainty."
Carmel Harrington
"Important. Heartrending. Hopeful...I was moved to tears...as Gaynor paid witness to the extraordinary bravery and resilience of the teachers and children of Chefoo School…Hazel Gaynor is an author who never fails to shine a bright light onto our historical pasts, making real-life events and characters dance on the page."
Heather Webb
"When We Were Young & Brave is a stunning novel of resilience and hope as a Girl Scout troop must brave the hardships of life in a Japanese internment camp during WWII. Set amidst the captivating, colorful backdrop of China, Gaynor enchants with her masterful storytelling...not to be missed!"
Lisa Wingate
"Told with a keen eye toward history, but also with compassion and humanity, this is a tale as vast as China itself, and as personal as the workings of an individual soul. Gaynor's story of courage and strength will make you believe in the heroic spirit in each of us."
Lynda Cohen Loigman
In When We Were Young and Brave, Hazel Gaynor gifts readers with an extraordinary and unique story of war—one unlike any we have read before...With skill, warmth, and delicate grace, Gaynor peels back the layers of research and fact to reveal the tender heart behind this fascinating piece of history.
Fiona Davis
"With her latest, Gaynor unveils a fresh perspective in World War II historical fiction, one that profoundly reveals the power of resilience and community in troubled times. Deeply moving and unforgettable."
Mary Beth Keane
"In her newest novel, Hazel Gaynor brings the reader all the way to Japanese-occupied China...A story of courage, friendship, and humanity in the bleakest of circumstances, Gaynor takes a slice of true history and brings it to vivid life. I loved these characters and rooted for them all the way."
Susan Meissner
"A compelling story of innocents caught up in the machine of global conflict, so wonderfully written and soul-stirring. Gaynor beautifully explores the heart’s brave struggle to make sense of the upside-down world that is war. Well done!"
Patti Callahan Henry
Hazel Gaynor again breathes fresh life into a lost piece of history...While the students and teachers are tested to the limits by the hardship and privations of war, this is ultimately a story of friendship and profound bravery. When We Were Young & Brave is transporting, important, and tremendously moving.
Liz Nugent
"Hazel Gaynor’s novels are so well researched and so rich in detail that one cannot help but be swept away to a time and place far removed from our own and live the drama through characters so beautifully realized that one walks amongst them. An absolute treat for any reader..."
BookPage
The latest novel from bestselling English author Hazel Gaynor is reminiscent of J.G. Ballard’s powerful classic Empire of the Sun…
Kate Quinn
A splendid readThe Lighthouse Keeper’s Daughter is not to be missed!
Sunday Independent for The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter
This exquisite, thoroughly researched book places her a clear head and shoulders above the rest.
Historical Novel Society for The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter
Gaynor’s narrative seamlessly flows between the eras and the women, chronicling their longing, their pain, and their quiet triumphs...Based on the real life of Grace Darling and two fierce storms, Gaynor’s tale is both heartbreaking and captivating.”
Sunday Independent for The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter
This exquisite, thoroughly researched book places her a clear head and shoulders above the rest.
Historical Novel Society for The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter
Gaynor’s narrative seamlessly flows between the eras and the women, chronicling their longing, their pain, and their quiet triumphs...Based on the real life of Grace Darling and two fierce storms, Gaynor’s tale is both heartbreaking and captivating.”
Library Journal
05/01/2020
During World War II, when the Japanese intern everyone at a British-run missionary school in northern China, teacher Elspeth Kent inspires her charges by instituting the Girl Guide patrol. Inspired by real events; with a 100,000-copy paperback and 30,000-copy hardcover first printing.
NOVEMBER 2020 - AudioFile
Two narrators deliver this absorbing drama about teachers and students at a British-run missionary school in China at the time of the Japanese occupation. Their lives move from privilege to privation as the 100+ children, sons and daughters of missionaries and diplomats, are relocated, first, to a nearby dilapidated compound and, then, to the grim Weihsien internment camp. Rosie Jones describes the ordeal from the perspective of Nancy, a perceptive and winsome preteen. Her voice, while clearly childlike, resonates with strength and courage. Imogen Church portrays Elspeth Kent, who teaches and comforts while demonstrating an intrepid will to survive. This new WWII story is exceptionally well told. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine