That Burning Summer, Lydia Syson

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher *

Author:
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Pages: 268
Format: DRC
Publisher: eBook | Hardcover | Paperback

Romney Marsh, July 1940. When invasion threatens, you have to grow up quickly. Sixteen-year-old Peggy has been putting on a brave face since the fall of France, but now the enemy is overhead, and the rules are changing all the time. Staying on the right side of the law proves harder than she expects when a plane crash-lands in the Marsh: it's Peggy who finds its pathetic, broken pilot; a young Polish man, Henryk, who stays hidden in a remote church, secretly cared for by Peggy. As something more blossoms between the two, Peggy's brother Ernest's curiosity peaks and other secrets come to light, forcing Peggy and Henryk to question all the loyalties and beliefs they thought they held dear.

It is still early in the war. Peggy, her brother and their mum live with an uncle and aunt because they could not stay in their home town. First it seems that it is because their town seems to be unsafe due to the bombs but slowly I got the feeling there might be more. Though it never really becomes clear what is exactly going on. It is clear they need to find their way working on the farm.
I liked Henryk his story. I was hoping on more information about his escape to England though I did understand the choice to keep the story small as it was.Peggy did not impress me much as a characters. I did like Ernest. He seemed to be a very adventurous boy but was easily scared.
There are a few interesting topics discussed in the book. How foreign fighters came to fly for the RAF. How soldiers would get tired of the war and loose motivation.