Waiting for Anya By Michael Morpurgo

Waiting for Anya By Michael Morpurgo is a novel set in a mountain village, Lescun, in France near the Spanish border during World War II. The author has written lots of books aimed at children but his books are loved by adults all over trhe world.

When  a young shepherd Jo finds a man hiding in Widow Horcarda’s cow shed, he learns that the  man is Benjamin, the son-in-law of Widow Horcarda and that they are involved in a dangerous undertaking to save the lives of Jewish children by smuggling them over the mountains into Spain.

Benjamin was separated from his little daughter Anya in Paris. He had told her that if they were separated they would reunite in the village where Widow Horcarda live. Benjamin is waiting for his daughter to return so that they can become a family again – this is how the novel gets its title.

Jo is determined to help. Then German soldiers start patrolling the mountains, trapping the children in Widow Horcarda’s cow shed. They need to find a way to get the children safely over the border into Spain. Jo develops a friendship with a German Corporal from the troop that patrols the village and its mountains.

Meanwhile one night, they secretively guide the children through the forest into Spanish territory. But when a scared girl refuses to part with Benjamin, the plan starts to dramatically unravel.

Despite being targeted  at younger readers, this little book is recommended for everyone. It will tug at your heartstrings. It is heartbreaking and uplifting at the same time and I love it.