Thank you so much to Jolly Fish Press and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

As war rages around the world, rumours swirl that the Japanese will invade Batavia, for her safety Emmy’s dad wants to send her to a singing boarding school in England, but Emmy isn’t interested and does all she can to per-longing it, causing them to miss the last boat off the island and taken to an internment camp.

A deep, powerful and thought provoking story about the second world war, I haven’t ever read a story set in a location like this nor what was going on for the people living their lives not overly expecting the war to reach them. It was really fascinating having it be set in the Dutch East Indies, it really helped to frame the story as instantly you are getting a story you’ve never had before about the war. It was a world war and usual most WW2 stories are in the same locations.

Emmy our protagonist did annoy me a little at first, I’m not going to lie about that I personally found her behaviour and attitude annoying, she was really rude and selfish to everyone, which made it hard to like her. However as the story progresses and she is in the internment camp she starts to grow up, with everything going on around her, with the scary situation, with the people she was with, the friends there for her to be close with and help, she manages to become a smart, resourceful, caring young girl.

This is a hard hitting and emotional story, you get an incredible glimpse into what was going on, being in the camp with Emmy, the harrowing struggles, the darkness, the fears. It takes you into a scary world that we haven’t really read before, in a location we hadn’t known about for this era. I liked that the author included her Grandma’s story and used that for writing this story you could see the heart and care that was put into the writing of this book.

If you enjoy history or WW2 then this is the book for you, it’s got everything you like reading about a WW2 story but in a refreshing tone, with so much heart, plenty of details and in a location that hasn’t had its story told before. It’s written beautifully, you’ll be swept up into this era, with these characters, you’re heart will actually be tugged at during the camp and you’ll get a whole new perspective of happenings at war time.

Growing up in Batavia, in the former Dutch East Indies, Emmy is a young Dutch girl who has a beautiful voice. She lives with her father in a household that includes Ibu Lia, who looks after them and cooks for them, and her son Bakti, who is a couple of years older than Emmy.

The story is set in what is modern day Jakarta in Indonesia. While Emmy's father initially plans to send her to school in England to continue working to develop her vocal talents, she is not keen on this plan. And when they miss the last opportunity to evacuate, they end up in an internment camp. So with the Japanese invasion that took place during WW II, this family's lives change almost overnight, to a degree that is unrecognizable.

This story does not shy away from portraying the realities of war, or dumb down that part of the narrative, which is one of its strengths in my opinion, given the target age group it is seeking to address.

But perhaps the greatest success of the story is the way in which the writer brings the characters alive on the page. The reader quickly becomes invested in Emmy and her crew - Mrs B, Bakti, Kitty, Lou and the others. It was not entirely a surprise to find out that the author has drawn heavily on the personal experiences of her grandmother to write this story. It's a lovely book.

A story of a time of war beautifully written in which we follow the story of two kids.
What called to my attention was the cover and the tittle, however I was hooked in the story from the start.
It is filled with a lot of emotion and would recommend to any reader.

"The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree" by Lucille Abendanon is a gripping upcoming novel that beautifully unfolds amidst the tumultuous World War II in Batavia, the capital of the Dutch East Indies—present-day Jakarta, Indonesia. The story follows Emmy, a resilient and talented young girl with a gift for singing, as she navigates the complexities of war and Japanese occupation alongside her father and devoted friend Bakti, one of their household's loyal servants.

Emmy's journey throughout the war showcases her remarkable strength and unwavering dedication to protecting those she holds dear, even at the risk of her own life. The narrative is inspired by the author's own grandmother, adding a rich layer of authenticity and personal connection to the tale.

The novel beautifully captures the historical and cultural essence of the Dutch East Indies during this challenging period, immersing readers in the harrowing experiences faced by its inhabitants. Abendanon's prose is evocative and engaging, seamlessly guiding readers through Emmy's story while painting a vivid picture of a world turned upside down.

One aspect worth noting is that Emmy's story, while profoundly inspiring, may be emotionally intense for younger readers. However, I think this raw depiction of the wartime realities is essential for understanding the resilience demonstrated by individuals during such difficult times.

In conclusion, "The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree" is a powerful debut novel that speaks to the human spirit's triumph in the face of adversity. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages and eagerly anticipate Lucille Abendanon's promising future as a writer. The book is set to release on January 22, 2024, and is sure to become a timeless classic.

Wow! What a story. Absolutely incredible. Just go and read it!

Emmy lives in Batavia with her dad, Bakti and Ibu Lia. Ibu Lia cooks and cares for the family and her son, Bakti, a couple of years older than Emmy, is responsible for walking Emmy to and from school.

When it looks like Japan will invade the Dutch East Indies, Emmy's dad arranges for her to go to England and take up the place at a school where Emmy's talent for singing has got her a place. Emmy doesn't want to go and eventually gets her own way when events cause them to miss the last evacuation ship.

The expected Japanese invasion (or liberation, as some initially believed) led to the rounding up of women and children and men being sent to prisoner of war camps where conditions were harsh and treatment was brutal.

I have read quite a lot - both fiction and non-fiction, aimed at adults and at children - about the Second World War, including books about the internment of Japanese Americans in America, but I think this is the first book I've read about what happened during the war to those living in what is now Indonesia.

This book is simply superb. I was amazed at how often I found myself holding my breath until I knew a character I'd grown to know as a real person, was safe. The author somehow manages to create such tension that you want to look away but can't, almost as much with what she doesn't actually say as what she does. We don't know what has happened to make the Djamboe tree the terrifying consequence it is but we know we want "our" characters nowhere near it. Speaking of the characters, again, this author has created something so brilliantly, beautifully believable. We are with Mrs B at her worst moments, feel the fear caused by Captain Sonei and laugh with Kitty as she jollies everyone along. We share the delight with Emmy when she makes a discovery, roll our eyes at Violet and feel the firm but fair love from Lou. The author has crafted a world that allows and forces us to experience every brilliant and horrifying moment, without actually having to be there. I cannot wait to read whatever she comes up with next.

This was a very good middle grade book.
I liked how it did not shy away from the reality of war while never becoming too graphic for its age range. The geographical East is a lesser discussed part of world war II in Europe, and I think this book gives children an opportunity to learn about it.

Thanks to NetGalley and North Star Editions for providing this ARC.

I’d say I love this book. Scene after scene runs smoothly without being overly dramatic. I am so absorbed by Emmy’s emotions.

Only one thing bothers me, when Emmy met Lou for the first time, it wasn’t explained how she introduce herself and yet the next sentence just mentioned “Lou”. “Who is this Lou?” I thought at first, but then I got it.

It is a solid five for me if this Lou matter being fixed. And I also love the cover.

A powerful debut book! I didn't expect that I would love this book so much!

This book brought us back to the 1940s when Batavia (now Jakarta) experienced a long colonial history under Dutch rule to the Japanese occupation during World War II. I could tell that the author had done her research meticulously also let's not forget that this story was also inspired by her grandmother's story in Batavia.

Since the setting was in Indonesia, you might expect that this book would tell about Indonesian. Surprise. This book would be told in Dutch POV. And that what made it very refreshing. If I didn't read this book, I would probably wouldn't know about the Dutch's situation during the WWII especially when they were in Tjideng. There were actually no winners in wars, both Indonesian and Dutch, even the Japanese suffered gravely, the scene where people with those nationalities helped each other was really heartwarming, full of life and hope.

A fellow reviewer recommended me this book and I couldn't thank her enough for that. And now it's my turn to recommend this book to other readers!

Thank you to Netgalley and North Star Editions, Jolly Fish Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree is listed as "Children's Fiction, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade Fiction". I was unprepared to read such a well told story and to become aware of the politics of the Batavia, Dutch East Indies, in the 1940's.

The authors grandmother was imprisoned by the Japanese in the 1940's and she incorporated years of conversations with her grandmother to create The Songbird in the Rambutan Tree.

My brother has young children and I've been looking for books they might like; otherwise I probably would not have stumbled upon this book. I'm so glad that I did. I was completely unaware of what life would have been like for those in Indonesia, ruled by the Dutch and hoping that the Japanese might bring them Independence.

The young girl in the story is a prisoner of war in Tjideng internment camp.

Very well written and highly recommended.

Thank you to Lucille Abendanon for capturing these stories described by your grandmother and sharing them! Fantastic job with your debut novel! Thank you to NetGalley for introducing me to another "new to me (and everyone else)" author. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher North Star Editions for the opportunity to review the advance read copy of The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is Jan 22, 2024.

Most WWII stories are shared about the European perspective on the war. Abendanon reminds us that WWII was a WORLD war, with battles happening around the globe. Using the stories about her grandmother's experience in Batavia, Dutch East Indies at the time of the Japanese invasion, Abendanon deftly describes the invasion, the POW camp experience of women and children, and the resilience of people living in horrendous conditions. The protagonist, Emmy, begins seeing the world and conditions as she chooses, but over time sees the magnitude of the human condition during war. Her resourcefulness and problem-solving skills aid in her survival of the POW camp.

I commend Abendanon and the publisher for sharing a WWII story that expands the whole story of this time period. I am hopeful that other stories of WWII that focus on how the war was truly global and not just in Europe will be forthcoming.

The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree is a historical fiction novel that takes place in Batavia (Jakarta) in 1942. We follow 11 year old Emmeline, a talented singer who is brave, smart, and stubborn. Her family try to send her to a singing school in England to help her stay safe during the war, however Emmy refuses as she wants to stay with her family and friends. This takes a turn for the worse when Japan invades her country. Emmy ends up getting captured and ends up in a refugee camp for women and children. She must now find her courage and strength to survive, find her voice, and reclaim her freedom.

A beautiful novel based on a true story, this gives a great insight into what was happening in Asia during WWII which I feel is a slightly less known perspective on the war (coming from an Australian, who only really knows the effects on European countries). At some points of this book it seems to read a bit too modern, where the tone seems more current and from a place of activism. It didn't affect me too much but it definitely took me out of the book for a bit. I like how at the end we get to read some extra factual information about the period that the book is set, as well as a section where the author explains which parts of the novel came from the true story and which were fictional.

I love it when historical fiction novels give me a glimpse into an otherwise unfamiliar time period or a new perspective in a familiar time period. The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree is the latter. Most WWII novels take place in either America or Europe, but this book takes place in the Dutch East Indies, modern-day Indonesia.

It was super cool to read the author's note after finishing the novel and learn that The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree is based off of the author's grandmother's life in the Dutch East Indies during WWII. It deepened the novel in a way.

The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree is a story about friendship, perseverance, and hope. The plot is well-balanced and the characters engaging. I really enjoyed this look into a part of WWII history that I didn't know about.

Cautions: two blasphemies; three instances of coarser language; non-descriptive mentions of wartime realities*

*It's been a little bit since I finished The Songbird and the Rambutan Tree, so I may have forgotten a caution

I love this book that i’ll recommend it for those who loves his-fic.
In the beginning, i’m annoyed with Emmy. She’s such a spoiled brat, thinking only about what she wants, but honestly, who could blame a 12years old for thinking so selfish? Her life turned upside down when she’s become a prisoner. Living in the camp with so much hardship, she slowly realized that actually she’s lucky compared to her best friend Bakti. My heart broke for Mrs. B and everyone who lose their relatives in the camp.
I love how the book use a bit of Indonesian language, makes it feel real that it happened here. I like how Emmy grows up eventho she’s in a disadvantage situations. Most of all, i like how the author tell the story, and it’s easy to read.

Inspired by an unbelievable real person, THE SONGBIRD AND THE RAMBUTAN TREE is a stunning and compelling story of hope in the midst of despair. Abendanon’s rich descriptions will have kids pulling out maps to learn more about the world, and the action-packed sequences and powerful emotions will keep their attention as they follow Emmy’s brave journey through an internment camp of WW2. THE SONGBIRD AND THE RAMBUTAN TREE introduces young readers to the darkness of war, the promise of light, and the spirit of a girl who won’t quit. I was so moved by Emmy's story, and I'm excited it will be accessible to young readers.

Initially, the title and cover caught my attention, but this turned out to be a very powerful, moving, heartfelt story.

This is a very well-written middle grade historical fiction book. The prose is very lush, rich, and descriptive. I was fully immersed in this time period and the location/setting. I felt like I had been transported to Batavia and experienced the harrowing conditions of the internment camp. However, I did feel like there was a bit of a modern lens on this story. It really came through some of the dialogue of the children. They sounded like today’s conversations and responses, not from someone in the 1940s. (For example, there’s a conversation about speaking my truth/your truth. That is VERY 2023 and not of that time period!) That really pulled me out of the story at times. I questioned some of the wording and phrases used because they sounded too much like today's culture. It also felt a little preachy at times, like it was written from an activist’s angle, which was a turnoff for me.

But otherwise, I really enjoyed the story. It was compelling and engaging. The pacing was great. I never got bored. There were enough “action” sequences and interesting scenarios that kept me turning the page and wanting to know what happened next. It was also interesting to see the war through the eyes of children. I liked the perspective and voice this story took. We see the innocence and naivety of the main character. She doesn't understand what is happening and why. It helped build compassion and empathy toward her.

All the characters had their own unique voice and personality. They were all likable (or unlikable), and we got character growth and development throughout the story, which I always appreciate reading at the end. I like to see a character change from the beginning to the end, and we got that in a few of the characters. I also enjoyed the found family element that we got from some of the characters as they bonded closer in the camp. It was really sweet how they looked out for each other and helped one another during their time there. But there were also a lot of heartbreaking moments, which made me tear up. It’s an emotional read, and I had to be in a certain mindset to read it.

This point in history is always hard to read about, but we get some amazing stories of courage, bravery, and love. It’s inspiring to read how these prisoners survived, mostly by their sheer will to live and see their freedom again. The conditions they had to endure were unfathomable and horrific. I didn’t know much about what happened in that part of the world during that time period, so I felt like I learned a lot from this story. We always hear about the German/European concentration camps, but not really anywhere else. This was definitely an eye-opener of what went on in today's Indonesia.

Definitely read the author’s note at the end for some very interesting information because this is a work of fiction based on real life. I loved how the author told us which parts were real and which parts she fictionalized. There is also a section with some historical information, which helps to understand the story better. There were some definite surprises in these notes that I enjoyed reading at the end.

Absolutely worth the read, especially for middle graders, as they learn about WWII.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

What a beautiful look at friendship and family during a time of war.
There are parts that are hard to read, but it is such a great representation of what happened during these times and how people bonded together to survive.

A beautiful middle grade read.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The songbird and the rambutan tree

The first thing that got my attention was the title, especially the rambutan word. Well I'd say it again as an Indonesian, who doesn't know what this words mean? Yes so it's definitely an Indonesian word, more specific it's a type of fruit that only exist in tropics country. My country, Indonesia for example. This rambutan word is also used in Malaysia. So far that's what I know. Alright let's get back to the book. After this amazing title, I can't hold to not read the synopsis and yess It got me even more excited after knowing that this book sets in Batavia, (known as Jakarta in this modern era) 1942. I couldn't help myself, the independent day of Indonesia is 1945 and with that being said, I knew well what's this book focusing on!!
So a quick information for y'all, Indonesia was known as Dutch East Indies and was occupied by The Dutch Empire during World War II for hundred of years until Japan came in 1942 and they offered to liberate Indonesia from the Dutch Empire, but they did that only to catch the attention of Indonesian people. Afterwards they did things that are so much worse and horrible. Japan finally surrendered in 1945, which means they occupied Indonesia for around 3 years.

Okayy so we have here, Emmeline Abendanon or shortly Emmy. An eleven years old dutch girl lives in Batavia with her parents, Ibu Lia, her maid and Bakti as Lia's son. Emmy grew up as a smart, brave, and passionate girl, She's a little bit stubborn but that's very normal and that's what makes her strong. Emmy lives happily with all what she has until that day when Japan invaded. Everything has changed. She's sent by the Japanese soldiers to a camp refugee where all children and women were being put in. A lot of things happened in that camp and the worst thing is they separated her from her father. Determined to escape and to find where her father and all that she loves could be, Emmy with all her genius brain has done many things that a little girl is impossible to do. Eager to know what will happen?? You'll find out in this book!!

Okay everyone 😭 I think I haven't given my thoughts about this book, have I? Oh my god I couldn't stop writing about what happened in that book argh.. alright alright let's start here.. so with no doubt I gave this book unlimited stars 🌟 5 or 10 is definitely not enough to describe how incredible this book is. I loved everything about this book. After studying the history of my country during the war time with Dutch and Japan, never once I know that Japanese have a specific camp for torturing women and children in my country, or probably it's me who missed the information but anyway I found out about that in this book. Thanks to the author for giving the best information. And I never once thought to get to know how was life for European in Indonesia during the Japanese empire been there and now I got to know that from the dutch itself. Yes you probably wondering, this story of Emmy is based on true story from a dutch girl who shared her life story during living in Indonesia that time. And now you know that this what made the book more intriguing. The writing itself is wonderful, everything about this book is masterpiece 😍

Definitely recommend this book to every readers but watch out for the triggers I'm going to say them :
violence, war plane sounds, disgusting foods (it happened on the camp anyway so don't let it bothering you).

Lastly, thanks to the author for creating this masterpiece and Netgalley for the copy of this book.