Lighthouse Family by Wellington author Phillipa Werry is one of the young adult NZ story series. This story offers a snap shot into the life of a fourteen year old living with her family as part of a lighthouse community off the coast of New Zealand from 1941-42.
I’m liking
This refreshing read is told from the perspective of fourteen year old Frances and we learn about the wonders of growing up on a remote New Zealand coastline when letters and boats held so much value. Frances’ choice of friends were also determined by what lighthouse keeper was posted next to you and we share in her anxiety as her best friend is leaving and who she will be replaced with.
This delightful story is structured in a series of diary entries with pictures at the end and a historical timeline of events. This is a rare opportunity to read about a time in New Zealand’s history when a Japanese invasion seemed a very real prospect. Frances picks up on this fear by overheard snippets of conversation of her parents and the newspapers reporting on the attack on Darwin harbor.
Frances also becomes aware that her choice of occupation is limited because she is female. If she wants to become a lighthouse keeper herself, she will need to marry one. Her mother goes to the mainland to give birth and Frances learns firsthand the demands of looking after her a family.
Things that made me go hmmmm
At times, there was a lot of detail which I felt could have been skipped, however it all added to the richness and authenticity of the novel.
The conclusion
This book offers a rare insight into life on the NZ lighthouse and we share in the trials of bad weather, fear of invasion and the triumphs of finding unexpected friendship.
