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The Bird in the Bamboo Cage cover art

The Bird in the Bamboo Cage

By: Hazel Gaynor
Narrated by: Imogen Church, Rosie Jones
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Summary

Shortlisted for the Irish Book Award for Popular Fiction Book of the Year.

USA Today best seller. Inspired by true events.

China, 1941.

With Japan’s declaration of war on the Allies, Elspeth Kent’s future changes forever. When soldiers take control of the missionary school where she teaches, comfortable security is replaced by rationing, uncertainty and fear.

Ten-year-old Nancy Plummer has always felt safe at Chefoo School. Now the enemy, separated indefinitely from anxious parents, the children must turn to their teachers – to Miss Kent and her new Girl Guide patrol especially – for help. But worse is to come when the pupils and teachers are sent to a distant internment camp. Unimaginable hardship, impossible choices and danger lie ahead.

Inspired by true events, this is the unforgettable story of the life-changing bonds formed between a young girl and her teacher, in a remote corner of a terrible war.

Published in the USA and Canada under the title When We Were Young & Brave.

©2020 Hazel Gaynor (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"Moving and authentic." (Dinah Jefferies)

"Beautiful...warm, loveable characters who had me rooting for them all the way." (Tracy Rees)

"An absolute treat." (Liz Nugent)

What listeners say about The Bird in the Bamboo Cage

Average customer ratings
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superb tale of endurance and courage

an incredibly beautiful story, wonderfully read. it will stay with me for a long time. A must-read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A most beautiful story.

This is one of the most remarkable stories I have listened to,
beautifully narrated,
in fact the 2 narrators should get an Oscar for their reading of this most wonderful novel.
Don't miss it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful story

Really wonderful story and performance. The telling of this powerful tale is very gently told, and is all the better for it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful

I love this book it’s beautifully written and narrated. It’s a fascinating story, I just couldn’t stop listening. I will definitely recommend it to family and friends

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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great book

loved every word, beautifully written, and the narrator s soft beautiful voices. definately recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding

What a truly inspiring book. I loved this book from beginning to end. Hope and heartache combined.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant book

I stumbled upon this book and had it as an audible. It kept me company on my dog walks! I wasn’t too keen on the narration but there’s no getting away from the fact that this is a very well written and very readable book. Loved it from start to finish. Will have you in tears by the end!!

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Enid Blyton type story

I thought I’d like this story going on the blurb but good lord it’s far too much like an Enid Blyton story for teenage girls, all girl guides and brownies and the ‘best of British’ nonsense. However the storyline is very good and seems to have been well researched, I liked the visuals given as I don’t know much about China or the Japanese occupation. Really can’t give more than 3 stars

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Couldn't stop listening.

What a thought provoking story. It stays with you long after the last chapter.
We could all do with a Miss Kent, to help us through difficult times.
I absolutely loved this book. The narrator, made this story come alive, how she managed all the different accents, is amazing.
I was so sorry it had to end, I felt as though I had lost some very dear friends.

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Beautiful

Lovely story excellently preformed. I feel like I learned a bit about what it was like. War stories that follow civilians give you so much when it comes to understanding your what happened.

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