The Runaway Children

By: Sandy Taylor

Narrated by: Alison Campbell

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's Summary

An unforgettable journey of two evacuee sisters during the Second World War - and their determination to stay together no matter what. 

London, 1942: Thirteen-year-old Nell and five-year-old Olive are being sent away from home to escape the devastation of the East End during the Blitz. Leaving behind their beloved mother and brothers, they don’t know if they will ever see them again. As the sisters adjust to their new life in a close-knit Welsh village, they gradually find hope in the friendships they make. And Nell kindles a special bond with fellow evacuee Jimmy, who makes her smile even at the hardest of times. But when little Olive’s safety is threatened, Nell makes a decision that will change their lives forever. They must run from danger and find their way home....

Together, through tears and laughter, the two sisters hold each other’s hands as they make an incredibly brave journey across war-torn England. Will they be reunited with the family they have missed for so many years? Or is there more heartache to come? 

A moving story of unconditional love, friendship and the fight for survival during a time of unimaginable change. This book is guaranteed to find a place in your heart. Perfect for fans of Orphan Train and The Girl With No Name.

©2017 Sandy Taylor (P)2017 Bookouture

Love and loyalty win

This is the 2nd book by Sandy Taylor I have read. The audio quality of When We Danced at the End of the Pier was not as good. I was told that using enhanced audio would help. I changed my download to that and there was no problem The story is that of two sisters, five and thirteen who are evacuated to Wales during WWII. Their brother who is supposed to go with them refuses. Their mum and very new baby brother remain also in London. The two girls experience first welcome and love, and then a frightful billet with a nasty old woman and her disgusting son. They escape and travel around, always sticking together and supporting one another. One would think that the older is always looking out for her little sister, but little Olive is sweet, honest and loving. Sometimes it is she who has the bright ideas.

I loved the fact that these two stayed together through the whole war and triumphed in the end. We forget that thousands upon thousands of kids were separated from their families during the war in the U.K. For some it was the best thing which ever happened to them. For others it was a nightmare which never left them. This is not a profound story in many ways, but its gentleness and attention to detail made it a lovely read. The narrator was good, and could sound extremely young sometimes. Either she really is, or can just get into the characters. Her accents were good and she obviously liked the girls she was voicing. It's a lovely read for a dreary day. It will help restore your faith in people if you are feeling a bit jaded.

Absolutely Wonderful

A lovely story with all elements, love of family, friends and neighbors. Each helping the other survive through the toughest of times. I highly recommend it.

Well read with perfect inflections.

Amazing!!!!

Very much loved this story!! The little girl, Olive, had me laughing out loud throughout the story.

Good listen

Loved the story
Loved the narrates accent
Would like to listen to more of her stories

Fabulous

Loved the story and the narrator. It was well told it made me laugh at times and cry at times. Lovely

The Runaway Children

I loved loved the whole book! I will recommend this book to my daughter.
This story will stay with me for a very long time. I smiled, I laughed and I cried, all the while in my daily walks.
Thank you for this glorious book!!

A lovely story

I enjoyed this story albeit it was not the typical WWII story. It was an
Overall feel good story about two sisters-evacuees - sent away by parents ,like so many children in London, in order to keep them safe from air raids. I agree with others,
it could be a good read for younger readers. As these sisters journey thru four years away from their family they encounter many people along the way eager to help them and who influence and motivate them into becoming the young women they grow to be.

Love this story

Love historical fiction where history is part of an ordinary persons life. The narration was believable.

World War II story, but with a different emphasis

It was another World War II story, but it was neither based in Eastern Europe nor wasn't based in Israel or the US – or even in Germany. And it really wasn't a story about the war per se. The ending was a little bit too pat, and although happy ending was expected, there was a little bit too many unconventional meetings and reunions, but overall it was an enjoyable story and none of the characters were inked consistent or disappointing in their presentations. It did end in a pleasantly happy plane.
(posted on GoodReads)

Great story!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I enjoyed the story and was able to understand the story, and i knew the area where she was talking about. (Eastbourne). I would recommend this book to anyone as it was such a great story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Runaway Children?

The most memorable moment was when they went to seaview.

Have you listened to any of Alison Campbell’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The story made me laugh because of the acting.

Loved it

Sandy Taylor has done it again , all her books leave you with a glowing feeling of happiness, loved it . Narration was brilliant .

Just stunning.

I couldn’t stop listening to this book when I began this morning, and here I am now at 1:36am to find I’ve finished the whole thing!
In my defence we’re in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, and there’s little else to do. This book was beautifully written and read. The story line is gripping from start to finish, and the war time setting is spot on and heart wrenching and also warming at times. A must listen!

Runaway children fantastic

Fantastic in sight to life during a personal view. Well read and we'll written thank you

Could not put this down the story was so novel

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would so they could enjoy it too.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The eldest girl who ran away with her little sister.

Have you listened to any of Alison Campbell’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Both.

A Must listen too.

Best so far from sandy Taylor.
Beautifully narrated by Alison Campbell.
A must listen too.

Such a beautiful book

I have to admit I laughed out loud at Olive, I also had times when I actually cried as so very sad. This book is an absolute work of art. I loved it. Written so well. Narrative was also fantastic. A must read. Thank you.

Wonderful Story

I really didn’t want this story to end. Interesting characters, brilliant narration, Sandy is a wonderful storyteller.

Didn't listen to it 7th Aug

I prefer to hear narration to be
different characters and different voices and accents maybe.
Sorry but I listened to a bit of text all the way through at different points and it was still one person saying about the story instead of hearing a story.