A Time of Angels - Softcover

Hesse, Karen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786812095 ISBN 13: 9780786812097

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children, 1997

Synopsis

Sick with influenza during the 1918 epidemic and separated from her two sisters, a young Jewish girl living in Boston relies on the help of an old German man, and her visions of angels, to get better and to reunite herself with her family.

About this title

About the Author:

Karen Hesse lives in Vermont with her husband and two teenaged daughters. Her book OUT OF THE DUST was awarded the Newbery Medal for 1998.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 6-9?A warm, personal novel set in Boston during 1918. Hannah Gold, 14, and her two sisters live with their Tanta Rose while their parents are trapped in Russia because of the war. Although life is not easy, Tanta Rose provides for the girls as best she can. Rose's companion Vashti, however, feels that the girls are an intrusion. When the deadly influenza epidemic ravishes the city, Hannah's world is turned upside-down. Driven away by Vashti after Rose's death, the feverish young woman is guided to safety by a beautiful, ethereal girl (actually, an angel) who saved her life once before. She is nursed back to health on a Vermont farm by an old man whose strength and wisdom give her the courage to go back to Boston and to make peace with Vashti. Aspects of Jewish culture are nicely incorporated into the story, as are period details. However, some plot elements may cause confusion. The angel, portrayed as a guiding force instead of a fully developed character, interacts with Hannah on an almost subconscious level. Also, some of Hannah's actions do not seem realistic. Shortcomings aside, Hesse offers readers much to enjoy, analyze, and consider in this piece of historical fiction with a mystical bent.?Tracey Kroll, Brookland Middle School, Richmond, VA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0786812095
• ISBN 13: 9780786812097
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256
• Illustrator: Barnes Michelle