A Blinding Light

It's 1917 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The First World War is raging, and despite its distance from the conflict, the Halifax Harbour is bustling with activity. Anti-German prejudice is rampant, and though 12-year-old Livy Schroeder and her 15-year-old brother Will are still mourning the loss of their father, who died in a mysterious boating accident just six months before, his German heritage doesn't merit them much sympathy. The rumours he'd been a German spy are only flamed by his disappearance.

On the morning of December 6, while Livy is in Richmond begging forgiveness from the Schroeders' former housekeeper, Will is atop Citadel Hill reporting for the school paper, when he sees two ships collide. A flash of light, then thunder from underground: the Halifax Explosion hits. Instantly, the city is unrecognizable. Lost and separated in the dark, destroyed city, will the siblings find each other again? Where is their mother? And who is to blame for the catastrophe?

In A Blinding Light, award-winning author Julie Lawson (No Safe Harbour) tells a riveting story of the Halifax Explosion and its aftermath, exploring the concepts of guilt, blame, and taking ownership, the divide between the rich and poor, locals and immigrants, as well as the human bonds that arise in times of tragedy. Young readers will be spellbound, and teachers and librarians will find plenty of topics for discussion in the book's historical and cultural lessons.

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average rating is 5 out of 5

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A Blinding Light

A Blinding Light
By: Julie Lawson
Olivia Schneider, (Livy), lives in Halifax Nova Scotia with her brother Wilhelm, (Will), and her mom. Its 1917 and the First World War is raging on. Livy enjoys playing the piano because it reminds her of her dad. Her dad mysteriously disappeared after he goes out on his boat during a storm. Will wants to be a pilot just like his dad and he spends quite a bit of time writing for his school newspaper. Both kids are bullied because their dad is German and face bulling on a daily basis. One day Livy is playing her piano and accidentally breaks her mom’s favorite vase. Livy immediately leaves the house putting the blame on Kathleen, the servant, and she promptly gets fired. Days later Livy finally comes clean and tells her mom the truth. Mrs. Schneider is upset with Livy and demands that she goes and apologizes to Kathleen and tell her she is welcomed to come back to her job. While Livy is walking to Kathleen’s house she sees two ships in the harbor collide and one of them catches on fire. Upon arrival to Kathleen’s Livy apologizes and tells Kathleen she can come back to work. Kathleen is very grateful and asks Livy to help her get her younger siblings ready for school as they have been preoccupied watching the fire on the boat in the harbour. Will was on his way to school when his friend Henry brings the fire to Wills attention. Henry wants to go to the dock to get a closer look but Will decides to climb up Citadel Hill to see all of the events unfold as this will make for a great story. Before everyone’s eyes the Imo and Mount Blanc blow up! What has happened? Will Livy, her family and friends survive?
I really enjoyed this book. It went into a lot of detail about the moments before and after the explosion. The author also discussed many of the different injuries that the characters had and made you feel empathetic for all of them even if they had a small part in the book. This book was a fast read and even though I knew the outcome of the book the author had me turning every page with anticipation! I give this book a rating of 5/ 5 stars!!

I recommend this book.