My book review of 'Forbidden Friends' by Anne-Marie Conway

by Anne-Marie Conway
Recommended age: 10+
Forbidden Friends
by Anne-Marie Conway

Two young girls arrive in Spain with their families. Neither have happy circumstances - Bee's father has gone missing and she has travelled with her mum and gran without him. Lizzie's brother died in Spain ten years previously and her mum and dad want her to join them in marking the anniversary.

The girls manage to escape for a few hours each day and build a strong friendship which they intend to carry on when they return home. But before they can do so, they find that their families are keeping a dark secret which prevents them from maintaining contact.

The book moves from a gentle, enjoyable account of a holiday friendship and gradually increases the pace and tension as the mystery unfolds, told by the two central characters in alternate chapters.

It is a good read, which quietly raises the issues of moral dilemmas, loyalty, truth and lies, from the author of 'Butterfly Summer'.

Date of this review: July 2013