Kent, Trilby. Stones for My Father.

Kent, Trilby. Stones for My Father.
Tundra Books 2011 176p 19.95
978-1-77049-252-3 Historical E-BN
Outstanding imagery shows tension and fear as Corlie and her family are forced into an internment camp during the Boer War in South Africa. Unwanted by her mother, Corlie struggles until finding comfort from others including a British soldier. Gr 7+.
There is a powerhouse punch packed in this slim volume about the Boer War in South Africa. Corlie feels she is just a burden to her mother who dotes on younger siblings. She finds some solace with the African family who helps with the family farm. As the Boer War battles come closer to her farm, Corlie’s family rushes to join others who are fleeing to safer territory. On their journey, Corlie observes a lone British soldier who Corlie had seen once before at her farm. He provides her with fresh meat to take back to the Boer encampment. Shortly thereafter, the British surround and capture the small group of Boers, taking men prisoner and sending women and children to internment camps. The harsh conditions at the camp are vivid with starvation, disease, and death daily taking its toll emotionally and physically. With the death of Corlie’s brother, her mother forces Corlie out of the family. Corlie goes to the British barracks asking for the British soldier she has seen twice before. After family secrets are finally discovered, Corlie feels a strong attraction to this young British soldier who actually values her. Heart-wrenching and heartwarming, this book is outstanding historical fiction about race relations, religious beliefs and nationalism amidst a war that is little known to American readers.
For grades 7 and up - can also be enjoyed by adults. Strongly recommended where the Boer War is studied. Powerful imagery shows the tension and fear as people are rounded up and forced into an internment camp. McNicol,Lois