Gillian Cross is a master story teller and this book is no exception. This is an historical fiction set in England during the time of the laying down of the railway. The story centres on Jema and Kate. Their father has been transported to Australia for poaching and their mother died soon after the birth of their baby sister. Kate is 16 and taking care of 10 year old Jem and the baby is almost too much to manage. Kate is absolutely determined to keep the family together even though the well-meaning villagers want to send the younger ones to an orphanage. Jem is very excited about the coming of the railway and the rough Irish "navies" who are employed to lay the lines.

Con O'Flynn, a young navie appears at their doorstep asking for board. Reluctantly Kate agrees because they need the money. Con weaves his way into their hearts and becomes a member of their fragile little family. The local villagers turn their backs on them because they don't trust the Irish or what the railway will do to their way of life. There are violent clashes between the locals and the navies and Con is torn between the two. A very dramatic story of poverty, violence and the resistance to change.

An excellent read for ages 10 to adult.

Reviewer: Leslie Boon

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