BOOK BRIEF

A Faraway Island

Annika Thor
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A Faraway Island

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

Book Brief

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Annika Thor

A Faraway Island

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

249

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sweden • 1930s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

680L

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Super Short Summary

A Faraway Island by Annika Thor follows two Jewish sisters, refugees from Nazi-occupied Austria, as they experience life with foster families on a Swedish island during World War II. The narrative explores themes of displacement, adaptation, and resilience as the sisters navigate their new circumstances and seek belonging in an unfamiliar environment.

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,482 ratings

72%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

A Faraway Island by Annika Thor is praised for its poignant exploration of identity and resilience, set against the backdrop of World War II. Critics commend its strong character development and emotional depth. However, some feel the plot pacing lags in places. Overall, the novel offers a compelling and sensitive portrayal of displacement and growth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Faraway Island?

A reader who enjoys A Faraway Island by Annika Thor likely appreciates historical fiction and coming-of-age stories. Fans of Lois Lowry's Number the Stars or Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's The War That Saved My Life may find the book appealing, as it weaves themes of resilience, identity, and the refugee experience with emotional depth.

4.3

3,482 ratings

72%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

249

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sweden • 1930s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

680L

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