Noel Streatfeild's Saplings is a poignant and psychologically rich novel that explores the devastating effects of World War II on an upper-middle-class English family. Unlike Streatfeild's well-known children's books, this adult novel delves deeply into themes of loss, trauma, and the fragility of childhood.
The story follows the Wiltshire family—Alex and Lena, along with their four children, Laurel, Tony, Kim, and Tuesday—who initially live an idyllic, privileged life. However, as war breaks out and tragedy strikes, the children's stable world crumbles, exposing them to emotional neglect, displacement, and the harsh realities of wartime Britain. Separated from their parents and forced to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings, they struggle with feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and a longing for the past.
Streatfeild masterfully portrays the psychological impact of war on children, illustrating how their resilience is tested and how their sense of identity is shaped by trauma. Through vivid characterization and unflinching honesty, Saplings offers a moving exploration of family bonds, survival, and the often-overlooked emotional toll of war on the youngest victims.
A gripping and heartbreaking read, Saplings is a must for fans of literary fiction and historical novels that examine the human cost of war. Streatfeild's keen insight into childhood psychology makes this book an unforgettable and thought-provoking work.
