Phyllis Johnston

A touching coming-of-age story that shows the impact of the second world war on New Zealand families Brother Harry is home from fighting in Egypt - just for a while. He's a breath of fresh air in the midst of food rationing and twice-a-day milking. He teaches 13-year-old Helen to drive, and to fire the rifle, just in case. But Dad's heart is wonky, and sister Jess is an ice-queen. Then Harry lets slip that Helen's not actually who she thinks she is For Helen it's a dizzying job, finding the wisdom, courage and humour to 'grit up' and get on with it.An extraordinary story evoking one girl's irrepressible spirit.