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The Skylarks' War cover art

The Skylarks' War

By: Hilary McKay
Narrated by: Katherine Press
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Summary

Winner of the Costa Children's Book Award 2018

The Skylarks' War is a beautiful story following the loves and losses of a family growing up against the harsh backdrop of World War One, from the award-winning Hilary McKay.

Clarry and her older brother, Peter, live for their summers in Cornwall, staying with their grandparents and running free with their charismatic cousin, Rupert. But normal life resumes each September - boarding school for Peter and Rupert, and a boring life for Clarry at home with her absent father, as the shadow of a terrible war looms ever closer.  

When Rupert goes off to fight at the front, Clarry feels their skylark summers are finally slipping away from them. Can their family survive this fearful war?

©2018 Hilary McKay (P)2018 Macmillan Digital Audio

What listeners say about The Skylarks' War

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Truly special

Oh my heart! I’ve been hearing so many wonderful things about The Skylarks’ War by Hilary McKay and it deserves every single bit of praise. There is so much heart and warmth in this book. It is so special. The audio edition was wonderful, the narrator made the story even more special.

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4 people found this helpful

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Wow what a amazing listening.

Although this book is a children's book, it can certainly be enjoyed by all ages. As an adult I absolutely love it.
It doesn't shy away from the horror of the 1st world war.
The story is magical and moved me to tears, both of joy and saddnes.
I couldn't stop listening and didn't want it to end.
It could well be one of my favourite books, certainly right there at the top of the 5 star rating.

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1 person found this helpful

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Beautiful

A beautifully written, sensitively told story. Definitely an author to explore. A great listen for young and old!

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Just read it….

This is a wonderful story, you will finish with tears of joy in your eyes!

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Fabulous

What a wonderful book. Excellent characters and just a great story. Yes it covers the awfulness of the war, but also it is a story of hope and covers themes that still resonate with modern times. It’s a children’s book, but as with all good children’s books, it could be enjoyed by any age. It really is fabulous. The narration was also very good.

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A delight.

Just to echo what many others have said - the story told over a number of years really works. The characters are so real that you care about them and somehow do not want to leave them. And the narration is perfect. Not sure what age of children would enjoy this.

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A Really Lovely Story



A nostalgic story of growing up and the ups and downs of WW1.

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Amazing Narration

This was great to listen to while reading along with the book. The narrator brings the story to life.

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  • AE
  • 28-06-19

Beautiful book

We loved this book Katherine press is a great narrator. Heart warming and thought provoking.

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Summer loving

A beautiful description of two families up to and during and after world War 1. This book clearly describes the psychology of both men and women during this difficult time, boarding school and the effects of parental absence and close family and friendship. The narrator has a clipped no nonsense tone which marries perfectly with the main characters Clarey, her Father, and Vanessa. It is also a summer book reminding us of the beauty of blue skies, sea and sunshine, bathing and horses.

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