Whirl of the Wheel

ABOUT Catherine Condie

Catherine Condie
Born in Cambridge,UK, Catherine began her career in PR and corporate communications, progressing as an editor of science journals, and as communications advisor for a European programme. She currently works in internet marketing and is a school literacy governor. Catherine is also a singer More...

Description

Three children whirl back in time through an enchanted potter’s wheel into the reality of evacuation in 1940s Britain. Whirl of the Wheel pulls feisty Connie, her brother Charlie-Mouse, and school pest Malcolm into dangers on the homefront and towards a military operations secret that will save their home. The children hit trouble when Malcolm fails to return to the present day.

An adventure written in the style of a children's classic, Whirl of the Wheel is an time-travelling tale with historical content and, of course, more than a touch of imagination to fire it along. Lead character Connie is based on my lovely friend Katie. I do hope you enjoy the story . . .

A review from a MobileRead reader . .

"Fantastic, a heart-warming and delightful tale, as difficult to put down as I used to find the Swallows and Amazons books by Arthur Ransome, and certainly one of the best children’s works I’ve read in years!

As I said on the forum, I thought you developed your characters very quickly, and managing to make me care about them, especially Connie, your plot was intriguing and full of surprises, it rolled along at just the right pace, and built to a really fantastic ending.

I hope you will make this a series, and put them in the public domain, before you become the star for one of the big publishing houses and make lots and lots of money for yourself!

As I’m sure you realise, I very much enjoyed reading your book, and I am definitely a Fan, can’t wait to read the next one, whether it’s free or bought."

Review by: Shayne Parkinson on Jan. 11, 2010 : starstarstarstarstar
This is a lovely blend of magic and realistic historical fiction. The period details feel convincing without ever being overdone, and the children are credible, with the sorts of fears and priorities that feel right for their age and situation.

I was reminded a little of the "Green Knowe" books, with the shifting in time element and with the wonderful old house that's a character in its own right. This book has the charm of those classics, while having modern details (such as the World Wide Web) that perhaps make it more accessible to readers who find the classics distancing.