The Silver Sword is an epic tale of a family who were separated when the Nazi’s invaded Poland in 1940. The story centres on the Balicki family, who consisted of the mother Margrit, the father Joseph and their 3 young children; Ruth, Bronia and Edek. With their father taken to a prison camp and their mother captured as a slave, the three children were left to fend for them self in a country ravaged by the Nazis.
The name of the book, ‘The Silver Sword’ is significant, as this sword belonged to Joseph, the father of the Balicki children and throughout the book it is a constant beacon of hope in a story so heart wrenching. Upon escaping from the prison camp, Joseph meets a ragged young boy called Jan and gives Jan the sword instructing him that if he ever encounters his children to send them towards the safety of their grandparents home in Switzerland.
The name of the book, ‘The Silver Sword’ is significant, as this sword belonged to Joseph, the father of the Balicki children and throughout the book it is a constant beacon of hope in a story so heart wrenching. Upon escaping from the prison camp, Joseph meets a ragged young boy called Jan and gives Jan the sword instructing him that if he ever encounters his children to send them towards the safety of their grandparents home in Switzerland.
While the three young children struggle, things go from bad to worse as Edek; the Balicki brother is arrested for smuggling. With the girls on their own they return to the remains of their former home were they meet Jan, the young boy with the silver sword. Jan at this stage is gravely ill with TB, however his encounter with the girl’s father ensure they take him to a refugee camp were they are reunited with their brother Edek after a chance meeting. Inspired by the silver sword, the four children embark on an emotional journey towards Switzerland desperate to be reunited with their parents after an arduous journey of 5 years.
I read this story as a 9 year old child and loved it, reading it again has made me remember why I loved it. Not only is the story informative giving children an insight into war literature and making them aware of specific events such as the Nazi invasion of Europe, the selection of characters are fantastic as it keeps the reader embroiled in their plight. The inclusion of cheeky, likeable characters such as Edek and Jan along with compassionate souls like Ruth really has the reader championing the kids all the way to the haven that is Switzerland. An excellent read for children from year 5 and upwards.
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