A great story with a poignant lesson in forgiveness.
Plot
The war is ended and Peter and Elise Anderson are just as excited as the rest of Denmark, especially when their Uncle Morten and their Jewish friend, Henrik Melchior, (from book #1, "A Way Through the Sea") come home, even if only for a visit. But even though the war's over, someone is still out to get Uncle Morten. The kids feel they must figure out who it is before he strikes again.
Morality
The kids are determined to help their uncle and his boat escape harm. Henrik is concerned about his parents, particularly his ill father. The Anderson adults are quick to take action and refuse to sit back and do nothing. Peter still holds bitterness against the Nazis, but he learns to forgive. He apologizes for certain thoughts toward someone and reaches out to those who need his aid.
Spiritual Content
The Andersons are Christians. Peter really wants to tell Henrik about his new life in Christ, but is worried about how to say it. Peter reads a portion of Psalm 55 one night; Henrik calls him a Bible scholar the next morning, though not mockingly. Elise wonders if Henrik doesn't wish to enter a church because of his Jewish heritage (this is not the case). A wedding is held in a church.
Violence
A cat is run over. The twins suspect that someone intentionally burned Uncle Morten's boat and will do so again. Peter fears the chance of getting a beating from the school bully. A dog snaps at the boys. Elise is grabbed by the throat and threatened. A couple men break down a door. A brief fight occurs. A man nearly drowns. A couple fires threaten the people fighting them.
Drug and Alcohol Content
The security guard, school bully, and some teens on the street smoke.
Sexual Content
None.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
None. The closest thing would be that Peter and Henrik agree that Nazi Germans are idiots, but they are soundly scolded by Peter's grandfather.
Conclusion
This one is a little like a mystery, but while the kids' efforts to figure it out dominate most of the story, it is not the main point of the tale. Peter's forgiveness wraps up the story wonderfully, serving as an example of forgiveness on multiple levels.
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