Some on-edge hopes, some moments of relief, and a theme of doing what you can where you are placed.
Plot
Dov Zalinski and his older brother Natan have made it into Old Jerusalem. Now they're trapped. Arab bombs go off around them and it is certainly no place for the dozen orphans Dov finds. He feels he must get them out...as soon as he figures out how.
In Cyprus, Emily Parkinson takes the chance to look for Dov's mother while her England-bound ship makes repairs. Her only problem is how to get into the detention camps, and dealing with an overly-worried governess and an irritating American reporter.
Morality
Dov is definitely learning about caring for others rather than just himself. He willingly puts his life on the line for the safety of others. He increasingly desires to do the right thing.
Despite Natan's "tough-guy Irgun" crust, he really does care about his brother and even the others trapped behind Old Jerusalem's wall. Dov's Haganah friends jump at the chance to help.
Emily is determined to keep her promise to Dov and she cares about the Jews in the camp.
Emily's governess sends Emily ahead on a plane bound for England.
Spiritual Content
Christianity has rubbed off some more on Dov. He reads a story about Joshua at one point.
Passover is celebrated both in Jerusalem and in Cyprus. One Jewish man quotes the Scriptures. A woman throws Natan out for mocking God. Emily's aunt and uncle continue their Christian lives.
Violence
As part of the Irgun (Jewish terrorist group), Natan lives by that ideology. Dov and Natan have a brief fight. Bombs go off frequently. It is assumed that an orphanage (and those within) is blown up. Arabs nearly catch a group of escaping Jews. A man is shot off the Old Jerusalem wall (witnessed). A plane is hijacked, but no one is hurt even though threats are real enough. Wild dogs threaten to attack Emily. A gun goes off by accident but no one is harmed. A young girl is tackled, but unharmed, before she is realized for who she is.
Drug and Alcohol Content
None.
Sexual Content
None. Extremely mild flirtation between Emily's governess and the American reporter, but it's not serious (eg: she has a handkerchief with his initials on it; however, he doesn't like her in that way).
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None.
Conclusion
Again, heart-warmth and action feel more ramped-up as Dov and Emily display more of their love for others. Throughout the story, you're not exactly sure what's going to happen next. Robert Elmer explains more of the historically true facts and even gives a disclaimer about one of these in his post-story comments.
This review is brought to you by Ariel_of_Narnia.
