Until the Road Ends, by Phil Earle - Paul
Phil Earle is a children's author, and this is the third of his novels set during World War II, each of which has received praise from authors including Philip Pullman and Michael Morpurgo. I picked this up after the publisher let us know that it 'mentioned' Swanage, where I live.
As I read it I realised that it doesn't just mention Swanage - the journey taken by Beau the dog, Mabel the cat, and Bomber the pigeon, is to find their way from Blitz-torn London to Peggy and Wilf, who've been evacuated to Anvil Point Lighthouse, in Durlston Country Park where I walk almost every day!
Beau is rescued from near-death by Peggy, and soon becomes her beloved companion, but as war reaches their home in Balham, the children are sent away. Beau pines for his Peggy, but soon becomes famous as a sniffer dog, rescuing people from bombed-out buildings alongside Peggy's dad, who works as an Air Raid Warden. But when tragedy strikes, the animals' journey towards the children begins.
Phil Earle doesn't write down to children and this was thoroughly enjoyable as an adult read. I think some of the elements I thought might be a bit worrying for children are perhaps just because with an adult's mind, we imagine more of the horror of wartime London than a child would. I became totally engaged with this incredible story, many elements of which are based on real characters and events, and the animal characters - the heroic but humble dog, the haughty, cynical cat, and the brave, stoic pigeon - are developed as fully as any human character might be.
Ideal for confident readers age 8 and upwards, this would also make a great classroom book thanks to the historical events it portrays. I'm keen to read his previous two WWII novels now!
