The Morning Gift

by Eva Ibbotson

Overview

A beautiful, classic romance set on the eve of war in Europe, from the award-winning and best-loved Eva Ibbotson.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780330477376
Publisher:	Pan Macmillan
Publication date:	09/04/2008
Series:	Aziza's Secret Fairy Door , #152
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	528
Sales rank:	49,098
File size:	822 KB
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

Eva Ibbotson, born Maria Charlotte Michelle Wiesner (21 January 1925 – 20 October 2010), was an Austrian-born British novelist, known for her children's books. Some of her novels for adults have been successfully reissued for the young adult market in recent years. For the historical novel Journey to the River Sea (Macmillan, 2001), she won the Smarties Prize in category 9–11 years, garnered unusual commendation as runner up for the Guardian Prize, and made the Carnegie, Whitbread, and Blue Peter shortlists. She was a finalist for the 2010 Guardian Prize at the time of her death. Her last book, The Abominables, was one of eight books on the longlist for the same award in 2012.

Editorial Reviews

The grim political problems of Europe before and during World War II set in motion the plot of this upbeat, gently humorous romance, but such grave matters are soon left behind so the author of Madensky Square can spin a predictable but engaging story of love denied, then finally triumphant. As the Nazis march into Vienna, British paleontologist Quinton Somerville decides to save 20-year-old Ruth Berger, daughter of his Jewish-Austrian colleague, by marrying her and whisking her off to England, where the couple plan to obtain a quick annulment. Naturally, complications delay the dissolution of their marriage, so Ruth enrolls in London's Thameside College, where Quin is a highly sought-after professor. Indeed, wealthy, aristocratic Verena Plackett has set her cap for him. Ibbotson's spirited novel features atmospheric locales--Budapest, Vienna and the Somerville estate in Northumbria among them--and a colorful supporting cast of European refugees whose eccentric behavior mystifies their upper-class British sponsors. (Aug.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

In this novel, Ibbotson ( Magic Flutes , St. Martin's, 1984, and A Glove Shop in Vienna , LJ 1/92, among others) offers an engaging love story set in pre-World War II Europe. Ruth, a vibrant, passionate young woman, is separated from her family when Hitler enters Austria. She marries Quin, a longtime family friend, in order to flee Vienna, intending to have a quick annulment once they reach England. However, neither has counted on the growing attraction to each other. Writing with humor and intelligence about this rocky relationship, Ibbotson creates a cast of charming characters. Readers will find Ruth a delight and applaud her awakening as a woman. This well-written romance will be welcome in popular fiction collections.-- Barbara E. Kemp, Library Consultant, Reston, Va.

Library Journal

In the opening days of World War II, paleontologist Quinton Somerville marries a young Austrian Jew, Ruth Berger, to assure her safe passage out of Vienna. Ruth is promised to her childhood sweetheart, concert pianist Heini Radek, and Somerville promises to annul the marriage as soon as they arrive in England. The annulment is not easy to obtain, however, especially when Ruth ends up in Somerville's field class as a student. Ibbotson's portrayal of the Jewish refugee situation in London is poignantly drawn. Most compelling of all is the romantic triangle made up of Ruth, her pianist, and her savior/husband/suitor. Fine work that gracefully emerges from a slow start by the author of "A Glove Shop in Vienna".

Denise Perry Donavin