Nisha's War: A gorgeously evoked wartime ghost story, perfect for fans of Frances Hardinge and Emma Carroll

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It has very interesting concepts and the mysterious fantasy part of the book is extremely intriguing and hooks you into the book, whilst adding lots of historical aspects that makes it feel as if you are really experiencing it.

Matthew Land Illustrates Historical Fiction for Chicken House

Dan Smith then skilfully builds their story, mingling the present with the past in the form of ‘Nisha’s Truths’- diary sections where she recounts the events which have led her and her mother to this point. When the Japanese invade, she and her family, along with countless others, are forced to flee to Singapore. She is a young girl who faces racism, loneliness and fear, but has the inner strength and courage to face that fear, to forgive, to accept and to heal her family.The passage of time to the full moon- so significant for Nisha in the story- is marked by chapter headings and full page illustrations showing its changing face and emphasising the sense of urgency felt by Nisha as time passes. Chicken House has an especially helpful and clear way of briefing a project so from the very beginning, I was given a great amount of guidance and support.

Nisha’s War / Young Quills reviews 2023 / Historical Association Nisha’s War / Young Quills reviews 2023 / Historical Association

There’s the atmospheric ghost story aspect which brings a creepy, unsettling feeling to the book but also adds a sense of magic and spirituality. I also want to mention the stunning artwork on the inside front and back covers, which fold out to almost double in size.He utilizes ink linework and watercolour and a touch of digital tweaking to breathe life into his unusual characters. We’d pack a small canoe with fishing gear, take a waterproof to sleep under, then paddle upriver to catch piranhas and catfish, and to see the river dolphins. The Barrow Island setting came from a story I had started about a group of children sent to live on a windswept island in the North Sea.