The Siege by Helen Dunmore

[bumbleweed]

I just read this and wanted to recommend it as it is really really good. I have read others of her books and this is one of the best - couldnt wait to go to bed so I could read!

Centres on a young woman and her family during the seige of leningrad by the germans during the second world war. If you like a gripping story it takes a little while to get going while the characters are developed, but it is worth it.

The writing is fantastic, and the attention to detail in building up atmosphere, character and setting is what makes it.

I read this and it prompted me to read her other books it was so good.

Can recommend House Of Orphans but wasn't so impressed with Mourning Ruby.

She writes better when dealing with characters living in the past.

loved this book too but couldnt cope with mourning ruby ...subject matter freaked me out.

I found mourning ruby tough going as well and a bit sentimental.

Love your nickname pipsqueak - thats our petname for our dd (she is philippa)