Code Name Kingfisher

Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of World War II, intertwining the lives of two sisters, Mila and Hannie. The narrative unfurls as Liv stumbles upon a hidden box belonging to her grandmother, uncovering a story of bravery and resilience that transports readers to Holland in 1942.

The Plot

As the war ravages their homeland, twelve-year-old Mila and her sister Hannie are compelled to assume new identities to evade the encroaching threat of the Nazis. While Mila grapples with the challenges of adapting to their perilous new existence, Hannie finds herself drawn to the Dutch resistance, emerging as an undercover agent under the moniker Code Name Kingfisher.

The sisters' journey is fraught with tension, as they navigate a world where trust is a luxury and loyalty is tested at every turn. Kessler's evocative prose immerses readers in the harrowing realities of wartime, while also highlighting the enduring bonds of family and the courage required to stand up against tyranny.

Themes

• Courage: Hannie is swept into the Dutch resistance as an undercover agent.
• Identity: The sisters take on new identities and must not tell anyone that they are Jewish.
• Trust and Loyalty: With danger at every turn, the sisters are left questioning who they can trust.

“A breathtaking WW2 story of bravery and sisterhood, told with the utmost care, beauty and hope by an extraordinary storyteller.” – A.F. Steadman

Fans of historical fiction and of authors such as Michael Morpurgo and Phil Earle will find themselves captivated by Code Name Kingfisher, a testament to the human spirit in times of adversity.