Tamar: Summary and book reviews of Tamar by Mal Peet, plus links to an excerpt from Tamar and a biography of Mal Peet.

When her grandfather dies, Tamar inherits a box containing a series of clues and coded messages. Out of the past, another Tamar emerges, a man involved in the terrifying world of resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Holland half a century before. His story is one of passionate love, jealousy, and tragedy set against the daily fear and casual horror of the Second World War -- and unraveling it is about to transform Tamar’s life forever. From acclaimed British sensation Mal Peet comes a masterful story of adventure, love, secrets, and betrayal in time of war, both past and present.

BookBrowse

Tamar is an wonderful meld of fact and fiction. Based in Second World War Holland, it is an amazing tale of romance, espionage and betrayal. Tamar keeps you second guessing what is happening until the end. Tamar makes you feel as if you are in the Second World War, experiencing the horrors of raids and rationing. Overall Tamar is an astounding book. It also made me really think about the arguments and counter arguments for each situation. I would recommend it to people above the age of 12. - Thomas (aged 14).  (Reviewed by BookBrowse Review Team).

Full Review (1205 words).

Media Reviews

Publishers Weekly [A] complex tale about how war casualties can keep accruing, generations after the battle ends.   KLIATT This is a demanding, carefully written story, with dreadful details of betrayal and violence.   Kirkus Reviews Readers will be torn: They'll want to slow down and savor the gorgeously detailed prose, but speed up to find out what happens next. Simply superb.   VOYA Filled with compelling and deeply disturbing images of the horrors of war, the feelings and questions raised by this winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal will remain with the reader long after the last page has been turned.   School Library Journal Starred Review. This is an extraordinary, gripping novel.   Booklist Starred Review. [T]his powerful story will grow richer with each reading.   The Guardian As fine a piece of storytelling as you are likely to read this year.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Kristina Maher
A Gripping Story
Tamar is a moving story. It brings back in time into the second world war and makes you feel like you are living through it. The authors use of detail is impeccable and the way the author wrote the story allows you to personally relate to it....   Read More

Rated of 5 by Dalton
Super Awesome Book!
I love this book, it's a real keeper. I just got it at the library and now I'm gonna buy it just to keep around and maybe read again. I say it should be a book we have to read in school.

Rated of 5 by Kristi
Wow
This is an absolutely amazing book!

Rated of 5 by Palm Tree
Best Book I've Ever Read!
I loved this book! It is indeed the best book I've ever read. I will never forget it. Young Fiction is such a degrading category to put such a beautiful book in.

Rated of 5 by Kim
Not just for kids!
Tamar, by Mal Peet, is historical fiction at its finest. Tamar is 15 when her grandfather dies, leaving her only a box of mysterious objects. She feels sure her grandfather has deliberately left her a puzzle to be solved. In doing so, she...   Read More

Readalikes

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Books with similar themes

• Young Adults
  
• Europe 
  
• The Low Countries 
  
• 1940s & '50s 
  
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