The Morning Gift

by Eva Ibbotson

Overview

A richly imagined story of unexpected love, independence, and belonging – The Morning Gift is a classic WWII romance from Eva Ibbotson.

With an introduction from Sarra Manning, author of Diary of a Crush.

Eighteen-year-old Ruth lives in the sparkling city of Vienna with her family, where she delights in its music, energy and natural beauty. She is wildly in love with the brilliant young pianist Heini Radik and can't wait until they are married.

But Ruth's world is turned upside down when the Nazis invade Austria and her family are forced to flee to England, and through a devastating misunderstanding she is left behind. Her only hope to escape Vienna comes from Quin, a young English professor, who unexpectedly offers her a marriage of convenience to bring her back to London.

Ruth throws herself into her new life – but a secret marriage is more difficult than she expected, especially as she and Quin find themselves drawn together.

'I have binged on Eva Ibbotson . . . her elegantly written, witty and well-observed fables' – Nigella Lawson, The Times

Rediscover Eva Ibbotson, award-winning author of Journey to the River Sea, in her sweeping historical romances, including The Morning Gift, A Song For Summer and The Secret Countess.

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:	37,660
File size:	822 KB
Age Range:	12 Years

About the Author

Eva Ibbotson was born in Vienna in 1925 and moved to England with her father when the Nazis came to power. She wrote more than twenty books for children and young adults, many of which garnered nominations for major awards for children's literature in the UK, including the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize and the Whitbread Prize. Imaginative and humorous, Eva's books often convey her love of nature, in particular the Austrian countryside, which is evident in works such as The Star of Kazan and A Song for Summer.

Eva passed away at her home in Newcastle on 20 October 2010. Her final book, One Boy and His Dog, was published in May 2011.

Eva Ibbotson was born in Vienna in 1925 and moved to England with her father when the Nazis came into power. Ibbotson wrote more than twenty books for children and young adults, many of which garnered nominations for major awards for children's literature in the UK, including the Nestlé Smarties Book Prize and the Whitbread Prize. Eva's critically acclaimed Journey to the River Sea won the Smarties Gold Medal in 2001. Set in the Amazon, it was written in honour of her deceased husband Alan, a former naturalist. Imaginative and humorous, Eva's books often convey her love of nature, in particular the Austrian countryside, which is evident in works such as The Star Of Kazan and A Song For Summer. Eva passed away at her home in Newcastle on October 20th 2010. Her final book, One Dog and His Boy, was published in May 2011.

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