Dynamite Room, The
Hewitt, JasonThe girl just wanting to find her mother and the Nazi Officer a long way from home; it is hard to say who is the more surprised when they both seek refuge in the same boarded-up house on the Suffolk coast. It is July 1940 and eleven year old Lydia has found her way home, not expecting to find the enemy on her doorstep. This taut psychological drama reduces a far- reaching war to the interactions of captor and hostage, confined to their claustrophobic setting and dependent on one another for their survival.
Powerfully conveyed by its strong characters, it is a compelling and unsettling story that broaches the possibility of redemption. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
We all enjoyed the book, and it was interesting that there were many different views expressed as we looked at it from different angles. We couldn't decide on the genre - a war story, or a thriller with a little bit of romance tossed in. It was hard to believe that it all happened over a 5 day period. Tauranga 023 Some found the flashbacks irritating, but on the whole agreed it was a gripping psychological thriller, which generated much discussion. Auckland 055 All found it a beautifully written book, but a depressing view of what 'war' did to people. Dunedin 072 Most found it an easy read, but the characters and much of the circumstances of the plot "unbelievable'. We felt it was a bit disjointed, with the author trying to put too many scenarios in it, but not developing them eg. Lydia's escape from the evacuee family, her mother's story and Eddie's death... Levin 001 The turgidity of the start of the book 'killed off' three of our group. They were unable to get more than 30-50 pages into it. But those who did, thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful and moving tale with an element of suspense. The book generated in-depth discussion. It was a story one learned from, and themes discussed ranged from: the psychology of entrapment and the 'Stockholm Syndrome', Brandenberger commando missions, the effects of war on people, to the moving relationships forged - and even to things as specific as the qualities of dynamite, cordite and nitro-glycerine. Christchurch 320 We all enjoyed this book and had a lively discussion. Timaru 007
Pages
378
378
Year
2014
2014
Reviews
28-05-2024
This was an unusual book for our group, as several members were unsure if they liked it or not. A mixture of positive and negative feelings. Well-written overall, but some feelings that there were a few jarring notes in the plot. Most enjoyed the gradual feed of information and character development. A different treatment of the war from the perspective of those in England.
28-05-2024
A mixed reaction leading to a lively discussion with no consensus reached.
28-05-2024
Generally our group admired the writing of this book, and descriptions of scenes and people. However, we were a little disappointed at the end with the unlikely story - too many improbable situations and coincidences.
28-05-2024
A very mixed discussion. Some really enjoyed this book and others found it unsettling in regard to Lydia's portrayal.
28-05-2024
His book was enjoyed by most of us. Though some found it slow to become engaging, and one member did not finish it. The central premise, that war can totally ruin people, as well as buildings and land, was a good topic for discussion and philosophy, and as the two main strands of the book were slowly revealed, the impact of the writer's intentions became clearer, and satisfaction was more achievable for the reader. Some of us found the theatrical teasers interesting, whilst others found them a distraction. Overall, though, we thought it was a clever and thought-provoking first novel.
28-05-2024
We found the book fascinating and felt the writer had done a very good job, particularly with his characterisation. The portrait of the young girl was 'spot on'.
28-05-2024
A couple of people liked it but most felt it was a bit meh! It just finished and nothing happened! The writing was ok. The plot was interesting enough for everyone to read to the end but we wanted to know more about the Mother and Button, and spend less time in the Dynamite Room.
28-05-2024
We loved this book - what a refreshing angle on WWII stories.
28-05-2024
The book was generally enjoyed by all members, considered a good easy read and an excellent first novel from this author. The author demonstrated an uncanny ability for readers to experience the thoughts and emotions of the characters at pivotal moments when experiencing possible life changing events. We had a lively discussion about the effects of war on humanity e.g. from evacuations from home, separation of families and the brutalisation of people.
27-05-2024
A good descriptive story.
27-05-2024
We all agree that this is one of this year's favourites. An unusual slant on WW2.
27-05-2024
Enjoyed by members of the group, particularly the historical content and the strong characterisations.
27-05-2024
This was a story full of reality and metaphor with a very strong message about the effects of war - past, present and future. The creepy feeling of run and abandonment was very real. This was a sensitive story with very strong feeling and if we did not enjoy it, we appreciated the truths it revealed about the struggles people deal with in circumstances of violence.