Until the Road Ends by Phil Earle

Until the Road Ends is the third novel by Phil Earle set during the Blitz of World War Two. Like its companions, When the Sky Falls & While the Storm Rages, it is a stunning story of loyalty and hope. Even in Britain’s darkest moments, there were humans and animals who acted with valour and true heart. Phil Earle explores the perspectives of these heroes and provides readers with a window to the most remarkable unknown stories.

In the first moments of Until the Road Ends, we meet Beau – not the most handsome of dogs but one so full of love and life that readers can’t help but adore him. Exquisite detail transports the reader back in time and right into the heart of his story. When he is adopted by the Alford family (Peggy, Wilf and their parents), it seems his life is changing for the better – but Hitler and the Nazis are dominating the headlines. The threat of war is real. Talk of bombs, gas masks and evacuation mean another change is looming on the horizon.

Peggy and Wilf are sent to the coast to live with their Aunt Sylvie on the condition that Beau and the charmingly grumpy cat, Mabel, will not be put down and will continue to live with their parents. The animals are lonely but life is ok. Beau is allowed to help Mr Alford in his role as an air raid warden and thrives on helping others.

Then, the unthinkable happens. Beau, Mabel and Bomber (a wonderfully brave and determined pigeon desperate to contribute to the war effort) set off on the most incredible journey.

Phil Earle has an invaluable talent for helping children understand the reality of war and the loss experienced by so many – not only loss of life, but loss of their homes, belongings, family, loss of their history. The innocent love between a girl and her dog transcends time and hits readers hard. We can’t help but be completely invested in the adventure Beau, Mabel and Bomber find themselves on.

Thank you to Andersen Press and NetGalleyUK for an early read of this incredible book!

You can read my reviews of Phil Earle’s other Blitz books below:

When the Sky Falls by Phil Earle

While the Storm Rages by Phil Earle

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