While I Live

The Ellie Chronicles

By: John Marsden

Narrated by: Suzi Dougherty

The town of Wirrawee is emerging from war, slowly, like a flower after a cold snap. Businesses are starting to reopen, the school has re-commenced classes, and local farmers are gradually repossessing their land. But it's not the same Australia as before the war. A new nation exists just a few miles away, a new border that separates Australia from its invaders. Or does it?

For Ellie Linton, being back on the farm with her parents is what makes the terrible things that happened during the war, the things she and Homer, Lee, Fi, and the others had to do, all worthwhile. It's where she belongs. But the war won't let her go. A devastating tragedy has shattered any hope she ever had to reclaim her life, or herself. It's a new kind of fight. And the enemy isn't always from the other side of the border.

©2003 Jomden Pty Ltd (P)2004 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Children's Titles, Ages 8+

"A brilliant, spirited, wonderfully written, extraordinary book." (Sunday Tasmanian)

Great story, narration was a bit of a let down

First half of the book was a nice reflection on the series although lacking with action. Second half had enough action but the narrator taking big pauses was a bit painful.

You DO get used to the lisp!

My first concern when listening to this recording was that I would have to cope with a difficult accent, made worse by the unclear diction and lisp. However, it took no time to get used to and I even believe that Ellie speaks like that now!

Classic Marsden - great story and I'm looking forward to hearing the next one.

Strength

Another installment of the John Marsden "tomorrow" series. I cannot comprehend why these have not been made into a film... We follow Ellie, our heroine from the war, as she tries to assimilate back into "normal" life after the war. Australia has been split and Ellie lives on the enemy border, where there is still hatred and fighting. After losses that bring her to the brink of her ability to survive, Ellie, once again stands up brushes herself off and gets back to the business of living. Independant and strong, Ellie works hard to do just that.

Excellent, even if you havn't read the series

Ellie struggling to run the farm and get though school got my sympathy and attention straight away.I had read only the first of this series of books, but this didn't detract from my enjoyment of this latest title. John Marsden is an excellent writer, capable of writing a real crossover book, as good for adults as for the teenagers.
I was swept up in Ellie's world and cheering her on.

action addict

I adore this series and I'm so glad that these chronicles have still kept the same spirit alive. I feel like I'm just as addicted to the action as the main character is and the only thing I didn't like was that the action ended about half way and the rest was all about fighting for Gavin. Still, I suppose it serves as a good resolution.