Listen to Hazel Gaynor's captivating new audiobook, When We Were Young and Brave, narrated by the mesmerizing Rosie Jones and Imogen Church. With an audiobook rating of 4.7/5, this is an extraordinary tale that will leave you believing in the indomitable spirit that resides within us all.
Transport yourself to China during the tumultuous years of World War II, where Gaynor's story unfolds. Inspired by true events surrounding the internment of teachers and children from a British-run missionary school, this novel takes you on a journey that will keep you at the edge of your seat for all 11 hours and 32 minutes.
Meet Elspeth Kent, a determined Englishwoman who has taken on a teaching post in northern China, seeking solace from her unhappy life in England. As she prepares to leave China and contribute to the war effort back home, a twist of fate diverts her path and sets her on an unimaginable journey. Alongside her are the children of Chefoo School, including ten-year-old Nancy Plummer, who had always felt safe under the shelter of their British status.
But everything changes when Japan declares war on Britain and America. The Japanese forces invade the missionary school, stripping away the security and comforts Nancy and her friends once knew. Left without their parents and in the clutches of the enemy, the children turn to their teachers, particularly Miss Kent and her Girl Guide patrol, for guidance and assurance.
In the face of oppression and insurmountable challenges, the school community must rely on their courage, faith, and the bonds of friendship to persevere. They pray for liberation, but their journey takes an even darker turn when they are sent to a remote internment camp, where uncertainty and danger lurk around every corner.
With When We Were Young and Brave, Gaynor paints a vivid picture of impossible choices and unimaginable hardship. Through the eyes of a young girl and her teacher, the novel explores the life-changing bonds that form in the midst of a terrible war.
Immerse yourself in this unforgettable audiobook, filled with suspense and emotion. Let Rosie Jones and Imogen Church's enchanting narration transport you to a time and place where bravery and resilience shine brightest.
