Being on a Michelle Magorian kick at the moment, I simply *had* to pick up A Little Love Song from the library. I wasn't expecting to love it as much as Goodnight Mister Tom, but rather, was just hoping for an enjoyable, uplifting read. And I wasn't disappointed! I adored the main character, Rose. Reading about her was so much like reading about myself that it was a little scary at times :/ Fans of Goodnight Mister Tom will be thrilled to return to the village of Salt-on-the-Mouth, and to be welcomed back into the arms of that domestic goddess, Mrs. Clarence. ( )

Lovely book on lots of levels. I really liked the characters. I was shocked by some of the attitudes of the times. (my naiveté). I was glad to see such thoughts changing within the story. A good description of sexual feelings in a young girl. I enjoyed the atmosphere. Felt good about the ending. A wonderful visit to another time and place. Also known as A Little Love Song. Not a Swan is the US edition title. ( )

It is 1943, and Rose and Diana are spending their summer holiday in a cottage in Salmouth. Their father was killed in the war, and their mother is entertaining the troops. When their chaperone is called up, they choose not to tell their mother, and stay in the cottage for the summer. This is a delightful (if predictable) story of love, growing up, and secrets, and I finished it in one sitting. ( )

Three sisters are sent to live in the countryside in England during World War II where they learn about growing up, giving back, and finding themselves. Main protagonist Rose is the youngest of the three sisters and becomes increasingly isolated as her older sisters find work with home front war efforts. She finds friendship with a unmarried mother and courts romance with two very different men, both endeavors painting a stark picture of the 1940’s social attitudes toward women’s sexuality and independence. Rose’s coming-of-age is fraught with puzzling over gender roles and her own burgeoning sexuality as well as the uncertain future awaiting her country. The setting is a lovingly described classic English seaside town, filled with charming cottages, a cast of unusual characters, and a mysterious deceased benefactress. Magorian’s style is very plainspoken, touching on sensitive issues with frankness, historical accuracy, and aplomb; an easy, engaging writing style that will appeal to YA readers. The self-sufficient war-time manner is appealing in the characters because it offsets their era-appropriate naiveté and innocence of the baser facts of life. Hope, victory, and self-determination are well represented in this beautifully done historical fiction. ( )

I'm surprised more people haven't heard of this book - I've loved it for years. It's a young girl's coming of age story set in the second world war but I found the issues it addressed (pre-marital sex, madness and love) very thought provoking and relevant.
I read it when I was quite young and I think it was the first time I encountered sex in a novel, portrayed very sensitively.
A truly excellent, sweet, funny and thought-provoking book. ( )