| Rachel Sheridan was born and raised in British East Africa, the daughter of British missionary parents who ran a hospital there. Africa is the only home Rachel has ever known, and she loves it. But everything changes in 1919, when Rachel is thirteen. An influenza epidemic arrives and kills her parents. Because her parents were orphans, Rachel has no family to turn to, and is caught up in the devious plans of their wealthy neighbors, the Pritchards.
The Pritchards lost their daughter Valerie, who was Rachel's age, in the epidemic. Valerie was about to leave to visit her grandfather in England, and the Pritchards force Rachel to impersonate Valerie and take her place. They hope Rachel will win the grandfather's heart and persuade him to leave his estate and money to the Pritchards. Rachel is devastated to leave her beloved Africa and travel to cold, lonely England. She finds herself coming to care for her "Grandfather," but hates living a lie, and fears the Pritchards will someday follow her to England. At the same time, she is determined to find a way to return to Africa and reopen her parents' hospital. | ||
|
Plot & Themes Tone of book? - thoughtful Time/era of story - 1900-1920's Kids growing up/acting up? Yes Family, loving relations Yes Special relationship with - grandpa Is this an adult or child's book? - Age 11-14 Age group of kid(s) in story: - high school Parents/lack of parents problem? Main Character Gender - Female Profession/status: Age: - a teen Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - an organization Age: - 40's-50's Profession/status: How sensitive is this character? Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 6 () Europe Yes European country: - England/UK Africa Yes Kind of Africa: - White Enclave Misc setting Writing Style Amount of dialog - significantly more descript than dialog |
||