Shadow of a Hero

by Peter Dickinson

As Eastern Europe lurches toward chaos after the fall of communism, at last it seems possible to Letta that she and her grandfather will be able to visit his homeland, the tiny country Varina.

Varina is presently split among three big neighbors, but why shouldn't it be free? It has its own language and history, its own songs and dances, its own dogs and cheeses. Can Varina take its chance or must it go the tragic way of Bosnia and Croatia? Can one old man make any difference? And how can Letta help?

Genres: Young Adult, Fiction

304 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Peter Dickinson was an English author and poet widely respected for his children's fiction, detective novels, and imaginative speculative writing. Raised partly in southern Africa before continuing his education in England, he developed an early fascination with adventure stories and classic literature, influences that later shaped his narrative style. He attended Eton College and later studied at King's College, Cambridge, before beginning a long association with the magazine Punch, where he worked for many years as assistant editor, reviewer, and resident poet. Dickinson eventually left journalism to pursue writing full time, publishing works for both adult and younger audiences. His crime novels featuring detective James Pibble earned critical praise, while his fiction for children established him as one of Britain's most distinguished authors in the field. Over the course of his career he produced nearly fifty books that combined historical imagination, fantasy, and thoughtful reflections on human behavior. He achieved rare distinction by winning the Carnegie Medal twice, for Tulku and City of Gold, recognition that placed him among the most celebrated children's writers in Britain. Dickinson also received numerous other literary honors and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. In addition to fiction, he wrote poetry and essays, and his work continued to influence generations of readers and writers in the field of children's literature.

Reviews

[Cookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is NOT a historical fiction book because it's not an account of something that has happened in history. However, I wanted to classify it as historical fiction because it reads as though it IS telling of an event that actually happened. I've never read any other books by this author, but certainly look forward to doing so now that I've read one of his books.

[Mr]

Isabella Tidd 298pgs
Letta and her grandfather, the main characters have to save Varina, their country from being taken over. I would reccomend this book to anyo ne who likes adventure stories and is not afraid to read a whole book in one da because there is a lot of suspense. I like how interesting made up Varina is and their culture.