Publication Date: July 30, 2024
France, 1942: Robert curls sleepily into me, his tiny hand grasping mine like a lifeline. He’s been so brave, this little boy who has been through the unimaginable. As his eyes close, I wonder how much longer we can go on. But I promised to save him. And I can’t give up now…
Young linguist Elisabeth has been working for the British secret service since the war began, rescuing downed pilots and Jewish refugees. Now the Gestapo are on her trail: her next mission must be her last. Or she may never see the white cliffs of Dover again.
But she can’t even think about abandoning her post when so many remain in danger. So when daredevil fellow agent Guy arrives with a frantic plea, there was never any doubt that Elisabeth would help. Somewhere in occupied France is a little boy, the last survivor of a Jewish orphanage, desperately trying to make his way to safety. They have to save him.
Elisabeth knows the mission may be suicide. But she also knows she could never live with herself if she didn’t try to save this child. And so she and Guy set off on one last journey together, into the mountains. For freedom – for this child – they’ll risk it all…
Based on the heartbreaking, compelling true stories of the women and men who risked everything to save thousands of innocent lives, this completely addictive novel is perfect for readers of My Name is Eva, Marion Kummerow and Mandy Robotham.
Courage in a war-torn country takes many forms, as illustrated by a young woman in France who ran escape lines for those who needed to flee the area during World War II.
Author Amanda Lees draws upon true stories as the inspiration for If I Can Save One Child. Although Elisabeth has successfully managed to move refugees for the British, the Germans are looking for the Little Fox. However, she has one more task to complete.
Six-year-old Robert is the only survivor from a Jewish orphanage overtaken by the Germans. Rather than following typical protocol and dropping the child off at the next stop, Elisabeth has been asked to escort him through the mountains.
With a fellow agent at her side, they set off on a dangerous journey. To survive, the group will be tested not only by the elements but by a cruel German determined to capture both the boy and the elusive Little Fox.
Amid the danger, there’s also a romance blossoming. Elisabeth demonstrates unshakable courage in spite of all the negative aspects of war.
If I Can Save One Child focuses on the ray of hope that shines in the middle of death and destruction.
Amanda Lees was born in Hong Kong. She is the author of the best-selling satirical novels Selling Out and Secret Admirer (Pan), which have both received critical acclaim and have been translated into several languages. Her major YA thriller trilogy, Kumari, Goddess of Gotham, was nominated for the Guardian Children’s Book Prize and the Doncaster Book Award. It also featured as Redhouse Book of the Month and LoveReading4Kids Book of the Month. Amanda appears regularly on BBC radio and LBC and was a contracted writer to the hit series Weekending on Radio 4. She has written for, or contributed to, the Evening Standard, the Times, New Woman, US Cosmopolitan, and Bulgaria’s Vagabond magazine.
