THE LILY POND written by Annika Thor and translated by Linda Schenck

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Thor, Annika. The Lily Pond. New York: Yearling, 2011. ISBN 0385740409

PLOT SUMMARY

This book is a sequel to A Faraway Island. Two Jewish sisters, Stephie and Nellie, live on a Swedish island as refugees during World War II. Their foster parents offer thirteen-year-old Stephie the opportunity to enroll in school in Goteberg, on the mainland of Sweden. She stays with a doctor and his wife, who were previous lodgers of her foster parents’ cottage. A charming boy named Sven, who is five years older than her, stays in the room next door. Stephie must deal with her love for him, her concern for her parents in Vienna, and her struggles at school. She ends up developing a special friendship with one of her classmates, who is there for her through it all.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This emotional historical fiction novel takes place early on during World War II, as Jews were beginning to see effects of the actions of the Nazi government in Germany. The main character, Stephie, interacts with characters who have varying opinions and cultural backgrounds throughout the story. Key interactions include the letters from her parents, the family she stays with, her foster parents, teachers at her school, and others in the city. These gives the reader some authentic indications of what this historical time was like from many different angles. Cultural details such as languages, attire, traditions, values, and beliefs are all richly described for readers to capture Sweden during this time. Even within the town of Goteberg, there is evidence of diversity.

Stephie is a seemingly strong, intelligent protagonist. She copes with many changes, including a new school, a new place to stay, and making new friends. These types of changes are universal, and can be challenging experiences for any teenager, even in today’s world. On top of the many adjustments, Stephie is in isolation from her own family and her cultural roots. As a result, she frequently contemplates her living situation and how unfair it is that her parents are lacking so much. Toward the end of the story, she is also burdened with worry for her parents, especially her mother’s health. Those who has been separated from their parents at a young age could relate this story of Stephie. As an ideal book for discussions, this book is eye-opening and astounding.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

A Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book

ALA-ALSC Notable Children’s Book

From Booklist: "A compelling look at World War II–era Sweden, this distinguished Holocaust story will resonate."

From The Horn Book: "Stephie’s story of adjustment to a new school and of a first crush is both specific and universal."

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Books to read such as:

Appelfeld, Aharon. Adam and Thomas. ISBN 1609806344

Gather other Annika Thor books to read such as:

Deep Sea. ISBN 0385743858

A Faraway Island. ISBN 9780375844959

Possible Activities:

Research World War II and the Holocaust to gain further understanding of themes within the story.

Have a class discussion about Stephie’s reaction to the cheating incident, and the possible reasons for her not telling on the girl who was responsible.