KEZZIE. Theresa Breslin.

This is another short story by the popular, Scottish acclaimed writer who I enjoy reading and reviewing. I have also reviewed Remembrance.
The novel was first published in 1993. Structurally, it has a simple divide: the first part Scotland, the second, Canada. Set in Scotland initially during the 1930s depression, it refers to the 1926 General Strike and pit disasters.
Our main protagonist shows strength and determination after her father dies a hero at the mine when disaster strikes. Kezzie has a grandfather who is a wonderful man and a young sister, Lucy. The novel plots their descent into poverty like many others at that time. They are forced to leave the sanctity of their miner's cottage after the father was killed and move into a bothy then a caravan.
Kezzie, a brilliant future ahead, has to leave school and find any available work, just like her grandfather, otherwise it is starvation or becoming beggars. Not much of an option for them is it?

An unfortunate, untimely accident on the bus for Kezzie has disastrous consequences for Lucy. Kezzie is unconscious and hospitalised whilst simultaneously, Lucy disappears from the face of the earth.

Breslin researched into the masses of youngsters who were involved in Juvenile Emigration from Britain to places like Canada. Tens of thousands were sent overseas from Britain supposedly for a better life away from poverty and destitution. Over 100,000 were sent to Canada.

This is a tragic story of a young and beautiful child who was seriously traumatised at being wrenched from her family and sent overseas when the "authorities" mistakenly thought she was an orphan.

Kezzie travels to Canada in search of her little sister with determination that she will not leave until she finds her and takes her home to Scotland. True Scottish spirit. It is a challenging time fo Kezzie as she is thwarted at each opportunity when she thinks she has found her sister's trail.

The final discovery is paradoxically sad and happy but extremely worrying considering such stories as this DID happen. A sobering thought.
A Homecoming for Kezzie is the sequel.
Publishers: Mammoth. ISBN: 0-7497-1771-8
www.theresabreslin.co.uk

COPYRIGHT 2012.
PERMISSION TO USE THIS REVIEW MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE AUTHOR.

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