Footprints on the Moon
By Lorraine Marwood
My Review:
Lorraine Marwood’s latest verse novel takes the reader to 1969 where man is about to take the first step on the moon. For Sharnie Burley, this momentous event runs parallel to several significant events within her own life.
Sharnie begins high school with her best friend Mia, and like many teenagers beginning secondary school, they both want to fit in and make friends. However, friendships become complicated and fitting in becomes a whole lot harder, especially when Sharnie is paired up with the social outcast Gail. The simmering tension within the friendship groups and change of dynamics between the teenagers is believable and relatable.
While Sharnie continues to navigate the socially complex world of high school, she also has to find a way to stay connected with her older sister Cas. A task not made easy by Cas who becomes involved with a returned Vietnam Soldier and anti-war protests. A sentiment that is strongly opposed by their father who forbids such actions. This forces Cas to become more secretive and distanced from Sharni who just wants her sister to be there for her like she always has been.
This storyline introduces the reader to the topic of conscription, Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War and how soldiers were treated upon their return. Marwood included both opinions to the topics and is subtle enough in her writing that the reader can’t help but draw their own conclusion around this time in Australian history.
The constant support in Sharnie’s world is her grandmother who enjoys pottering around in her garden and collecting special shells and stone. The two have a close bond, however Sharni has noticed that Gran has become forgetful and confused at times. She is not sure who to speak with about her fears. This relationship shows just how special the bond between grandparents and grandchildren can be.
The countdown to the moon landing is a clever and constant thread throughout the story. Even Sharnie’s younger cousin Lewis can’t wait for this monumental event. Lewis uses a telescope to look at the moon and wears moon boots whenever he can. The buildup of anticipation to the moon landing keeps pace with the events throughout the story. Each event slowly building in significance and tension.
The story culminates with the heart-breaking loss of a family member, the creation of new friendships, a very public anti-war protest and the successful mission of Apollo 11. The ending was satisfying as it addressed all threads of the storyline in a manner that both the main and secondary characters were considered. This made the read even more enjoyable.
The verse novel style makes this story accessible for the most reluctant reader through to the most confident. The easy to read narrative and short chapter style meant a smooth and past faced read. It is an introduction to hard hitting adult topics such as war, grief, persistence and friendship.
The constant support in Sharnie’s world is her grandmother who enjoys pottering around in her garden and collecting special shells and stone. The two have a close bond, however Sharni has noticed that Gran has become forgetful and confused at times. She is not sure who to speak with about her fears. This relationship shows just how special the bond between grandparents and grandchildren can be.
The countdown to the moon landing is a clever and constant thread throughout the story. Even Sharnie’s younger cousin Lewis can’t wait for this monumental event. Lewis uses a telescope to look at the moon and wears moon boots whenever he can. The buildup of anticipation to the moon landing keeps pace with the events throughout the story. Each event slowly building in significance and tension.
The story culminates with the heart-breaking loss of a family member, the creation of new friendships, a very public anti-war protest and the successful mission of Apollo 11. The ending was satisfying as it addressed all threads of the storyline in a manner that both the main and secondary characters were considered. This made the read even more enjoyable.
From the publisher UQP
Humans are about to leave footprints on the moon, but what sort of mark can one girl make here on earth?
It’s 1969 and life is changing fast. Sharnie Burley is starting high school and finding it tough to make new friends. As the world waits to see if humans will land on the moon, the Vietnam War rages overseas. While her little cousin, Lewis, makes pretend moon boots, young men are being called up to fight, sometimes without having any choice in the matter. Sometimes without ever coming home.
Dad thinks serving your country in a war is honourable, but when Sharnie’s older sister, Cas, meets a returned soldier and starts getting involved in anti-war protests, a rift in their family begins to show. Sharnie would usually turn to her grandma for support, but lately Gran’s been forgetting things.
Can she find her own way in this brave new world?
You can check out my other reviews at GOODREADS
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