Review: The Number 7 by Jessica Lidh

The Number 7 by Jessica Lidh

Hardcover, 272 pages
Published December 5th 2014 by Merit Press (first published November 7th 2014)
ISBN: 9781440583063

Sixteen-year-old Louisa's antique telephone is disconnected, but that doesn't keep it from ringing. And it doesn't keep Louisa from answering. Her caller is someone with a message from beyond the grave. The mysterious caller is somehow familiar, and has a message that unravels the mysterious past of Louisa's Swedish family, including the deeply hidden secret from World War II. She'd welcome the distraction of the cute boys competing for her attention, but instead, Louisa must figure out her role in her own story--before the telephone rings for the last time.

Goodreads

Book Review

This book is perfect for anyone with a passion for history discovered through the eyes of a 16-year-old teenager called Louise. The young girl receives a mysterious phone call on an old telephone when she is in the attic one day. On the other line is her dead Swedish grandmother, reaching out to her to reveal a family secret regarding her grandfather’s and his twin brother’s involvement during the second world war. The story is very well written and the characters are engaging, especially Louise and her grandfather and uncle are interesting and likeable. The novel covers a variety of topics from history, light romance, family trauma, mystery and the difficulties of being a teenager and getting used to living in a new town and a new school. The central theme also centres around the question whether it is right to sacrifice hundreds of lives in order to save many more. It broaches the dilemma with sensitivity as well as compassion and that circumstances are crucial in understanding historical settings.

Review by mother and daughter duo, Helene & Shona Tiernan.
Both are avid readers of fiction, enjoying a wide range of topics. Helene is a former journalist, a trained yoga teacher and also enjoys putting pen to paper herself. Her daughter Shona is a 13-year-old teenager who sings, plays the violin, drums and is passionate about tap dancing and her little brother. Both love diving into different worlds through the eyes of an author. Originally from Belgium, they currently live in Portugal with their family.