Bonjour Lucy Bee
Anne Ingram
NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR
I was inspired to write this novel while on our canal boat in France. It was summer, the countryside was beautiful, the local people friendly, tourists were thronging the historical hot spots, and all seemed well with the world. But when we stopped at some of the canal ports, we sometimes saw small clusters of young men, many in their teens. They looked lost, bereft, even hungry. They were refugees driven out of their own, largely war-torn countries, and desperate to find a safe haven. Sometimes they were welcomed, sometimes they were not. Even the French families we knew had different views about them. I wanted to explore what might happen if one of them unexpectedly landed virtually on the doorstep, needing care. And what Lucy, from far away New Zealand, would do.
REVIEWS
The story cracks along at a fast pace, with plenty of action, intrigue and mystery to keep readers turning the page. The author has created a cast of wonderful dynamic characters. Lucy is strong, compassionate and full of empathy. She takes on challenges and isn’t afraid to push boundaries or stand up for what she believes in. Rebekah Fraser, NZ Booklovers.
French phrases throughout coupled with the descriptive scene setting has you feeling you are right there with Lucy. The plight of the refugees is handled well; there is no heavy lecturing, instead we are shown the human face of this global issue. There is plenty of action and a good resolution. Well written, it is a thoroughly good read. Vanessa Hadley-Owen – KIDSBOOKSNZ
The author wastes no time in plunging Lucy into an adventure. Ingram has skilfully presented the emotions of a morally engaged girl confronted with unfamiliar cultural values. A very well written narrative focussing on the ability of children to see a moral surety where adults so often cannot. I think deep-thinking teens in particular will enjoy it. Sarah Forster – The Sapling
The book gently tackles the topic of prejudice, tolerance and the current European refugee crisis. The easy way this is written genuinely asks the reader what they would do in a similar situation. There is nothing overtly political in this book; only the truth about human relationships, identity and empathy. Melissa Spark – Magpies magazine.
A rich and intelligent book designed to capture a young reader’s imagination. A pacey adventure story into which is woven a contemporary conundrum that challenges Lucy’s innate New Zealand sense of justice and fair play. Young readers will be hoping at every turn of the page that she makes the right choices. Ann David – Goodreads
