Scan barcode
A review by alexlcriddle
A Coming Evil by Vivian Vande Velde
4.0
Lisette has just turned thirteen and is informed by her parents that she will be living with her Aunt Josephine for a time. The year is 1940 and the Germans have invaded Paris. Lisette is sent to Sibourne where she lives with her aunt, her cousin Cecile, and some unexpected guests on a farm. Though unhappy, Lisette begins to enjoy her time at the farm, especially after meeting Gerard, a mysterious visitor who appears to be more than he seems. Lisette and her family believe that they are safe from the threat of the Germans, but one day, their worst fears are realized. Will Lisette and Gerard be able to save those who need saving? Will Lisette learn about Gerard’s mysterious past? A Coming Evil is a rich World War II account filled with unexpected twists and turns.
I really enjoyed this novel. The mystery and fantasy that was interwoven with the history of World War II was very interesting. I think that students would enjoy this novel because they are learning about history, guided into a world unlike their own, and will also encounter some fantasy elements as well. At first, Lisette was a bother, but that’s the normal thirteen year old girl syndrome kicking in I suppose. I liked that she matured throughout the novel and that this maturation was evident to the reader through her experiences and her words. I also really liked Gerard and his history. He was a very intriguing character and I found myself wishing that he had been involved in the story a bit more. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading about World War II or who likes to see histories of different time periods come together.
I really enjoyed this novel. The mystery and fantasy that was interwoven with the history of World War II was very interesting. I think that students would enjoy this novel because they are learning about history, guided into a world unlike their own, and will also encounter some fantasy elements as well. At first, Lisette was a bother, but that’s the normal thirteen year old girl syndrome kicking in I suppose. I liked that she matured throughout the novel and that this maturation was evident to the reader through her experiences and her words. I also really liked Gerard and his history. He was a very intriguing character and I found myself wishing that he had been involved in the story a bit more. I would definitely recommend this novel to anyone who likes reading about World War II or who likes to see histories of different time periods come together.