Matas, C. (1987). Lisa. Scholastic Canada.
Age range 11 and up
Award: Geoffrey Bilson Award for historical fiction for young readers, 1988
5 out of 5 stars
This book tells the story of Lisa, a young woman living in Denmark during the years of Nazi occupation. This book describes her life as she and her family join the resistance to the German occupation. This book has some really heartbreaking moments. At one point Lisa’s father comes home from work (he is a surgeon) and everyone has been gunned down by the Nazis, including a woman who has just given birth. Despite the tragedy all around them the family still tries to make life enjoyable while fighting the occupation. The family quickly gathers new members, Suzanne and baby Sarah, as their own families are killed. The book culminates in a great escape of many Jewish people from Denmark into Sweden.
The story is told in brief narratives, like postcards from the war. Large gaps of time are left between chapters. At first I didn’t like this, I wanted more detail, but as the story progresses you get used to the skipping pace.
I think this book is excellent quality for any reader. It personalizes history as a good historical novel should do and it doesn’t romanticize it. This book would also be great for a reluctant reader because it is very gripping and easy to get through.
Kate
