Brilliantly written this story is set just after WW1 at Briden Orphanage -- an orphanage from hell. Life at the orphanage is particularly hard for Kenny and his sister because there is something in their past that they are being punished for, something their father did that Kenny can't understand. His father, Eric, was a conscientious objector who brought shame to his family and community by not enlisting in the war. Eric stayed true to his beliefs and was jailed where he later died while his 4 other brothers went to war, 3 of whom perished. Kenny & his sister Charlotte (Char) are rescued from Briden by their aunt Ivy & paternal uncle Alf. Uncle Alf is suffering from war trauma and loathes Kenny as he reminds him of his brother and the war. Kenny, Char and their cousins set about uncovering the perpetrators of the numerous thefts within the community and upon doing so are nearly killed. This realization makes Uncle Alf come to his senses and embrace Kenny & Char. Kenny, upon reading his dad’s bible, also learns that his father was not a coward, but a man true to his convictions, a man of guts who stood up for what he believed in. A very emotive read, well worth opening up. ( )