This was the second June pick for the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club.

In WWII London, Hazel and her younger sister Flora, along with millions of other children, are evacuated from the city to save them from the bombs that are sure to come. To soothe their fears, Hazel weaves a magical tale about a land called Whisperwood that she and Flora find comfort and joy in. Tragically, Flora disappears one day while playing by the River Thames and the mystery of what happened to her, as well as the guilt and grief, become a shadow over Hazel’s life. Then one day, while Hazel is working at a rare book shop a package with a children’s book arrives. The book is called Whisperwood and the River of Stars and Hazel can’t believe it. Hazel is sure that no one else knew about their secret Whisperwood but her and Flora. Could this mean that Flora is alive?

I have mixed feelings about this novel. I really, really loved the theme of the power of stories and the incredible ways that they can change our lives. I loved the imagination of these two sisters and the incredible character of Bridie, the woman who billeted them in the Oxford countryside. I did find that the book was a bit too long for me and I felt it dragged at times. I also didn’t quite feel satisfied by the reveal at the end but I can’t put my finger on why.