Monday, April 10, 2017

MMGM: Cloud and Wallfish


I am late to the party on CLOUD AND WALLFISH, although I actually read this last fall. When I picked the book up, I knew the author’s name was familiar. I’d read THE WRINKLED CROWN by her, but though that was intriguing, it doesn’t hold a candle to CLOUD AND WALLFISH. I think this is what happens when a writer really writes from the heart. Nesbit’s heart came through strong and clear in this one—and it was obvious that she knew her setting like the back of her hand.

Here’s the synopsis (from Amazon):

Noah Keller has a pretty normal life, until one wild afternoon when his parents pick him up from school and head straight for the airport, telling him on the ride that his name isn’t really Noah and he didn’t really just turn eleven in March. And he can’t even ask them why — not because of his Astonishing Stutter, but because asking questions is against the newly instated rules. (Rule Number Two: Don’t talk about serious things indoors, because Rule Number One: They will always be listening). As Noah—now “Jonah Brown”—and his parents head behind the Iron Curtain into East Berlin, the rules and secrets begin to pile up so quickly that he can hardly keep track of the questions bubbling up inside him: Who, exactly, is listening — and why? When did his mother become fluent in so many languages? And what really happened to the parents of his only friend, Cloud-Claudia, the lonely girl who lives downstairs? In an intricately plotted novel full of espionage and intrigue, friendship and family, Anne Nesbet cracks history wide open and gets right to the heart of what it feels like to be an outsider in a world that’s impossible to understand.

Cloud and Wallfish

1.    Nonfiction at the end of chapters help kids understand the historical background: I thought this was an interesting way for the author to give kids background about the time period without overloading the actual story.

2.    Setting/time period I’m drawn to: As many of you know, I lived in Ukraine shortly after the Iron Curtain fell, so I could relate to so many of the oddities and situations  described in this book. I loved how it showed the propaganda against the U.S. It rang true for me on so many levels.

3.    Interesting kids: Both Jonah (Wallfish) and Claudia (Cloud) were such interesting, unique characters. Their friendship was beautifully handled and well-done. The “Cloud” scene at the end is an image that will stay for me a long time.

4.    Biblical allusions: I thought the references to the Tower of Babel and Jonah and the Whale added a lot of depth to this story, although it is not a religious book.

Caveat: The interesting thing about this book was that I expected from the first chapter that it was going to be a spy novel with lots of action, people being chased, etc.  And though spies are integral to the plot, and the stakes are high, it was really a character-driven novel about a cross-cultural friendship about what life was like behind the Iron Curtain. Now, I was not disappointed at all, because I love novels about friendships and novels set during the Cold War, but if you’re looking for James Bond-type book set in Eastern Germany, you might be disappointed.

If you enjoy reading about this time period, you might also enjoy SECOND FIDDLE by Roseanne Parry, another favorite of mine, which is about an American violinist in Eastern Germany shortly after communism ended.

Have you read Cloud and Wallfish or any other novels set during the Cold War?

To check out more Marvelous Middle Grade suggestions, check out Shannon Messenger's blog. 


18 comments:

  1. Kephart's Going Over and Nielsen's A Night Divided. I think the cover and title work against this one. I cannot get anyone to check it out!

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    1. Nielsen's has been on my list for awhile, but Kephart's sounds intriguing as well. I will definitely be checking them out!

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  2. I remember hearing about this and it sounded good. Glad you liked it so much. And I never knew that you lived in Ukraine. It doesn't sound like a great time to live there.

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    1. I won't say it wasn't difficult at times, but it was unforgettable experience. Life is hard there, but the people are some of the warmest, most hospitable people I've ever meant.

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  3. You aren't the only one who's late to the Cloud and Wallfish party and I don't know why I keep putting off reading it, but you have inspired me. Thanks for your review.

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    1. Thank you, Alex, for stopping by! I hope you enjoy it!

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  4. Thanks for shining a spotlight on this book, Jenni. I'm so glad I popped over today. It sounds great. I'm adding it to my TBR now!

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    1. I'm glad you stopped by too, Ruth! Hope you enjoy it!

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  5. I have had this one on my books to read list for much too long. Thanks for reminding me it needs to be in my hands soon.

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    1. Glad I gave you a nudge--you won't regret reading this one!

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  6. The only book I've read by Anne Nesbet is THE CABINET OF EARTHS, her debut novel, which I remember being intriguing but perhaps not fast-paced enough for most kids. I haven't read CLOUD AND WALLFISH but I have read SECOND FIDDLE and Beth Kephart's YA novel, GOING OVER, both of which I loved. (I spent some time in Berlin before the Wall fell.)

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    1. Ooh, Joanne, I'm sure your experiences in Berlin were fascinating! I bet you can really relate to this book. I really need to check out GOING OVER, especially as you are the second one to mention it.

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  7. I love historical fiction, but I've never reviewed any books about the cold war. This sounds like an intriguing novel with friendship at the center. Excellent review! Will add this book to my list.

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    1. I hope you enjoy it, Patricia! I really find the more historicals set in recent time periods really fascinating.

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  8. I haven't read this one either but it sounds really interesting from your review! I will be looking for it!

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  9. I reviewed this one on my blog, Reading Violet and I loved it too! Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks for spreading the word!
    - Vi

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  10. I remember noticing the title and cover of this one and being intrigued, but it hasn't really stuck on my radar. You make it sound worth reading! (I can see that the title and cover might not appeal to middle-grade readers, though.)

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  11. Wow. This one sounds terrific. Thanks for the review. For some reason I haven't been getting notified of your blog and haven't seen it for a while. I have re-subscribed, so hopefully that will solve the problem.

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