Book

All Our Shimmering Skies

448 pages · 2020 · Rating 4.3

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Takeaways
Description
Trent Dalton’s All Our Shimmering Skies is a story about a young girl named Molly Hook, who, as one of many children living in Darwin in 1942, must deal with the mounting fear of being attacked by the Japanese. Molly is caught up in more than just worry since her mother has recently died. She must also deal with feelings of grief and loss that she does not know how to express. In her difficult situation, Molly finds a friend in Greta, an actress who has traveled to Australia from Europe to escape the Nazis, but has been unable to find work due to discrimination on the basis of her Jewish heritage. Greta and Molly quickly become fast friends and travel the countryside together while they search for magic in the world around them.
The Power of Hope

Trent Dalton's All Our Shimmering Skies is a testament to the power of hope. Despite the harsh realities of life, the protagonist, Molly, never loses her faith in the goodness of the world. This book encourages us to keep our hopes alive, no matter how bleak the situation may seem.

Importance of Friendship

In All Our Shimmering Skies, Dalton beautifully portrays the importance of friendship. Molly's journey is made bearable by the companionship of Greta and Yukio. This book reminds us that friends can be our greatest strength in times of adversity.

Nature's Role

Dalton uses the backdrop of the Australian wilderness to add depth to his narrative. The harsh yet beautiful landscape mirrors the trials and tribulations faced by the characters. It's worth taking a look at how he uses nature as a character in its own right.

Overcoming Past Traumas

All Our Shimmering Skies is a story of overcoming past traumas. Molly's journey is not just physical, but also emotional as she tries to escape her past. This book encourages us to face our fears and move forward.

The Magic of Storytelling

Dalton's storytelling is magical. He weaves a tale that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, filled with characters that are deeply flawed yet endearing. If you're interested in exploring the art of storytelling, All Our Shimmering Skies is a must-read.

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Zoë Foster Blake , entrepreneur and journalist and author, Recommending BestBooks

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