The FitzOsbornes at War (The Montmaray Journals)
*Starred Review* In this satisfying conclusion to the Montmaray Journals (A Brief History of Montmaray, 2009, and The FitzOsbornes in Exile, 2011), the surviving royals continue their exile in Britain during the war years 1939–44. King Toby and Simon are serving in the RAF; Sophie and Veronica train as secretaries (but end up acting as unofficial intelligence agents); and tomboy Henrietta is forced to attend boarding school. As always, Sophie’s journals provide readers with a fascinating view of wartime Britain. She notes rationing that affected even the affluent, overnights spent in damp air raid shelters, and the expectation that everyone—even the wealthy—will do their part. Private musings observe worries about friends and family serving (and dying) on the front, a grief-fueled sexual encounter with cousin Simon, and her uncovering of the true circumstances surrounding Toby’s disappearance in Belgium. The use of real characters (including U.S. Ambassador Kennedy and his children) is skillfully integrated into the story adding insight into complicated wartime views of fascism and socialism. Appended with an author’s note separating the facts from the fictions, this makes a perfect choice for teen devotees of Downton Abbey and other period dramas. Grades 9-12. --Kay Weisman