While the Storm Rages: The eagerly awaited new novel from the bestselling author of When the Sky Falls

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The novel is partly based on true events: until I read this book, I had never heard of the cull of British pets at the start of the Second World War.

While the Storm Rages | Phil Earle | 9781839132056 | NetGalley While the Storm Rages | Phil Earle | 9781839132056 | NetGalley

I had heard of the British Pet Massacre before, but this really put it into perspective. I don't know what I would have done, if I were living in London then; I'd like to think I wouldn't have brought my pet to any vet, but then wouldn't that be cruel to them? It's such a hard decision to make. I'm really glad I didn't have to.Together with his best friend, he comes up with a plan to launch a rescue mission to save their beloved pets. It is 1939, and as Noah’s dad leaves to go to war he makes Noah promise to keep their family dog safe. Yet the government advises people to have their pets put down in readiness for the chaos of war, and when Noah himself faced with evacuation he decides to run away. Together with his two friends, they take their pets and head for Windsor in search of an animal-loving Duchess.

WHILE THE STORM RAGES - Andersen Press WHILE THE STORM RAGES - Andersen Press

They decide to sail the animals to a safe shelter with the help of Noah's father's boat. The two young children are accompanied by animals with their own character traits. This won't make their journey easy.. The plot is touching.

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It's a great question and I'm not entirely sure. I think it's to do with them being underdogs. I'm definitely intrigued by characters who seem to have very little going for them. I like the idea that they could rise up and astound everyone with what they achieve.

While the Storm Rages by Phil Earle | Goodreads

Willie Beech, a lonely and deprived child, is evacuated to a tiny English village just before the Second World War, and finds himself living with reclusive widower Thomas Oakley. September 1939. The world is on the brink of war. As his dad marches off to fight, Noah makes him a promise, to keep their beloved family dog safe. When the government advises people to have their pets put down in readiness for the chaos of war, hundreds of thousands of people do as they are told. But not Noah. He’s not that sort of boy. With his two friends in tow, he goes on the run, to save his dog and as many animals as he can. No matter what.

While the Storm Rages is an untold story of the Second World War. It has everything – Action, adventure and animals, not to mention courage, and a quest – all as war breaks out in the UK. Dealing with all the animals is a mission in itself, let alone avoiding trouble on the filthy waters of the Thames and the police on the riverbanks. A snake needs to be kept warm. Dogs and kittens need food and water, as does an often cantankerous donkey. But these animals are all important parts of their plan and their escape to a rumoured animal haven.