The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree

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Author(s)

Lucille Abendanon

Publisher Name

North Star Editions

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

January 19, 2024

ISBN13

9781631638206

ISBN10 or ASIN

Batavia, Dutch East Indies, 1942.

Emmy has the voice of an angel but hasn’t sung a note since a family tragedy. With war looming, her father plans to ship her off to a singing school in England for safety. But all Emmy wants to do is stay in Batavia with her best friend, Bakti, even if it means putting up with her snooty classmate, Violet. Then the Japanese army invades―and as war erupts in the Dutch East Indies, Emmy’s world falls apart.

When her own actions sabotage her chance to evacuate the island, Emmy is captured and confined in the Tjideng prisoner-of-war camp with other women and children. Separated from her family and friends, and silenced by her grief, Emmy will need all her strength to survive the war, find her voice, and reclaim her freedom.

Editor review

1 review

Gripping Story, Incredible Writing

August 28, 2024

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

This book had me instantly.

We don't often get WWII fiction set in Asia, especially written for a middle grade audience, so it was already a highly anticipated book in "The Pile". Then I fell in love on the first page. Abendanon's prose is lyrical and sprinkled with delightfulness, even when tackling tough situations. I ended up reading this aloud to my husband in the evenings after the 3-year-old was in bed; we both laughed and cried and will always remember Emmy and her story.

11-year old Emmy is a Dutch girl enjoying her father's appointment in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta). WWII is raging in Europe and Japan is gobbling up lands in Asia. When Japan's invasion of Batavia seems inevitable, Emmy's father wants to send her to safety, but she foils his plans and stays. She ends up captured and sent to a POW camp with other women and children. Terrified and full of guilt for the consequences of her actions, she must find a way to survive.

This is both a wonderful and an important read that I have recommended to my middle school librarian peers and historical fiction fans. I do caution those with younger or sensitive readers from this one, as it definitely gives you the feels! If you enjoy Ruta Sepetys, Alan Gratz, or Jennifer A. Nielsen, put this on your must-read list.