Heroes of the Secret Underground
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 December 28, 2021
Author Susanne Gervay
Distributor: Harper Collins Publishers Australia
ISBN: 9781460758335
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers Australia
Release Date: 2021
Website: https://www.harpercollins.com.au/
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It is important in these times that the history of struggles and terror during the wars is not forgotten. For young people whose families were not involved in the day-to-day drama, many situations may seem unreal. Heroes of the Secret Underground is a story, told through history with the clever use of time travel to lessen the fear. The time slip gives an illusion of safety, while the characters are observing unspeakable times.
Louie, Bert and Teddy live in a wonderful old hotel run by their grandparents. The year is 2000, and the summer holidays have just begun. Already Louie is aware that some people dislike their family although she doesn’t understand why. Racism is a topic that has not been discussed. By chance, Louie comes across a beautiful old necklace and through a process, she and her brothers are transported back in time to Budapest, in Hungary. It is winter and the year is 1944.
What a different setting this is. People are cold, afraid, hungry and hiding. They are desperately trying to escape from the country, and to become invisible while wearing the yellow star stitched to their coats. The children have to rely on help from those people who work tirelessly in the underground movement. Louie and her brothers have to join the desperate ones who are guided by no less a person than her grandfather when he was a youth.
The love of family and eagerness to support each other is of utmost importance. Louie must solve an old problem before they can begin to think of getting home again. Excitement, terror, adventure, and courage, make this a powerful read, and most importantly, an educational eye opener for younger readers.