User:SafariScribe/The Last Train to London

The Last Train to London is a 2019 novel by American writer Meg Waite Clayton. It is a historical novel set during the late 1930s, focusing on the Kindertransport mission that saved thousands of Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe. The story is anchored by Geertruida Wijsmuller, also known as Tante Truus, a Dutch woman who played a crucial role in rescuing the children. The novel highlights the experiences of two Austrian teenagers, Stephan Neuman, a Jewish boy aspiring to be a playwright, and Zofie-Helene Perger, a Christian girl and a math prodigy. It was received with positive reviews by crtics.

Plot summary

The novel was set from a multiple perspectives, the lives of Stephan and Zofie-Helene as they navigate the perilous political landscpe of the pre World War II. Tante Truus's courageous efforts are central, showcasing her negotiations with Nazi officials and the harrowing logistics of organizing the transport of children safely. The climax revolves around a high-stakes mission to gather 600 Jewish children for transport, and the tension and urgency.

Critical reception

The novel has been praised generally by critics. The portrayal of Truus Wijsmuller and the author's ability to capture the despair and hope of the era. The structure, consisting of short chapters with multiple viewpoints, has been appreciated for maintaining the narrative's pace and engagement.

Style and theme

Style

Clayton employs an economical writing style that clearly brings historical events to life. The narrative is structured without traditional chapters, instead using dated and locational headings to guide the reader through the story. This approach, along with the inclusion of newspaper articles in the novel, and other period details, helps immerse one to reality from a historical context.

Themes

Major themes of The Last Train to London include courage, sacrifice, and the impact of individual actions in the face of atrocity. The novel explores the moral complexities and emotional toll of the Kindertransport mission, and the profound love and desperation of parents willing to send their children away to save them. The bond between Stephan and Zofie-Helene also highlights themes of love and resilience amidst chaos.

References

Sources

• Spruzen, D.A. (October 7, 2019). "The Last Train to London: A Novel". Washington Independent Review of Books. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
• Clayton, Meg Waite (May 16, 2021). "The Last Train to London: A Novel". Jewish Book Council. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
• "Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton". PublishersWeekly.com. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
• Clayton, Meg Waite (June 16, 2019). "THE LAST TRAIN TO LONDON". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
• Clayton, Meg Waite (September 10, 2019). "a book review by Fran Hawthorne: The Last Train to London: A Novel". new york journal of books. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
• "The Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton". Fantastic Fiction. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
• "All Book Marks reviews for The Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton". Book Marks. May 24, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
• "The Last Train to London". Historical Novel Society. October 26, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
• Morris, Claire (September 11, 2019). "The Last Train to London by Meg Waite Clayton: Standing up to Tyranny and Cruelty". Historical Novel Society. Retrieved June 1, 2024.