Jane Wilson-Howarth

Fiction

 
 
 

reviews

Himalayan Kidnap

A most excellent read for children and adults … with an even better bonus: Learn about Nepal along the way!

I love that this story is an eco-adventure set in Nepal. I’m betting that no other book combines a story about Nepal with an eco-friendly message. Although the story is meant for early to mid-readers, this young adult thoroughly enjoyed it. Right from the start, I felt that I got to know the two brothers on an intimate level – their dialogue makes you smile and pulls you into getting to know them well. The animals of Nepal play a role throughout the story … readers won’t even realize how much new knowledge about Nepal they are absorbing as they read. Toward the end, I found myself reading as fast as I could to find out what happened … you too will become entrenched in the story and won’t want to stop reading … I can’t wait for the continuing adventures of the brothers! (  )

Library Thing


Himalayan Hideout

In this gripping sequel to ‘Himalayan Hostages’ we follow the adventures of two brothers searching for their kidnapped parents across the hills of Nepal. Vivid descriptions (and beautiful illustrations) of the wildlife and people they encounter bring this action-packed story to life.

The Reading Agency


Chasing the Tiger

In this gripping sequel to ‘Himalayan Kidnap’ we follow the adventures of two brothers searching for their kidnapped parents across the hills of Nepal. Vivid descriptions (and beautiful illustrations) of the wildlife and people they encounter bring this action-packed story to life.


Himalayan Hostages

This is a great read for pre-teens (or anyone young at heart) interested in Nepal, wildlife, or simply adventure! From run-ins with poachers and bears in the jungles of Bardiya, to struggling to survive in a mountain cave, to canoeing down the Karnali River, James and Alex (the protagonists) seem to find adventures wherever they go.

As an American journalist who grew up in Nepal myself, I loved the details in this book about wildlife, Nepali cultures, and politics / social problems. The book deals with a terrible time in Nepal's history - the Maoist civil war, when many ordinary people were stuck in the crossfire between rebels and the state security forces - without simplifying complex issues too much. The book's protagonists view the world from a unique vantage point as "Third Culture Kids." Wilson-Howarth, the author, shows her fondness for Nepal and Nepali people, and also demonstrates her lively imagination and story-telling ability!

Peter Gill