Himalayan Heist
This is an engaging and fast-paced drama which will appeal to adventurous older children/early teens. After surviving a plane crash in the high mountains of the Himalayas, Alex and James, along with their feisty friend Bim go in search of help. They find themselves fighting for their own survival and their fate becomes linked with that of the Snow Leopard, apex predator in the icy region, whose survival is also threatened by wildlife traffickers. A gripping and entertaining story unfolds, full of humour and suspense. And this being a book by an ecologist who also practised as a doctor in Nepal for many years, it's humming with a deep knowledge of the wildlife and habitats of the Himalayas, and the Nepali people and their culture.
CR
Snowfed Waters
This is a lovely story. The main protagonist, Sonia, is a 34 year old divorced woman with low self esteem and a host of health issues. On a whim, and with her doctor’s encouragement, Sonia leaves her life in Cambridge with all its painful associations, and travels out to Nepal to work for a charity - and with the vague idea of retracing her great-grandfather’s footsteps.
After a rocky start, full of frustrations and misunderstandings, she gradually loses her English reserve and expectations and adapts to – and respects – the rhythm of life on the island of Rajapur, comes to care for the low caste family with whom she is staying and embrace their simple way of life.
The author spent many years in Nepal – and it shows. She writes with an absolute assurance – and passion - about the people, the landscape and the flora and fauna of the country. Indeed, her descriptions are so vivid that the reader can almost smell the food, taste the sweet tea, see the vast yellow butterflies and the wonderfully colourful plants and exotic animals, breathe the mountain air and hear the hustle and bustle of the market.
The story is told from a variety of viewpoints and, in this way, we have insight not only into what Sonia thinks of the people she meets but also what they think of her and how strange they find some of her attitudes and reactions. Because of the author’s in depth knowledge of the country, she is also able to explain the intricacies of the caste system and its implications, - for instance, the shock of her Brahmin (high caste) friends when she insists that young Moti, the daughter of her Tharu (low caste) hosts, is her companion when she goes trekking.
And it is when she and Moti are on their trek that disaster strikes the island. Ironically it is the disaster which is Sonia’s saviour. Working with the wounded, snatching food and sleep when she can, she recognizes how trivial her own worries are when compared to the plight of those she treats. And finally, too, she feels valued and regains her self respect.
When she returns to England and her old life, she is a very different person.
This is a story of a complex, shattered woman and of the healing power of love as of the whole community finally recognize her true worth and no longer see her as an awkward foreigner with strange ideas but as a strong, compassionate woman who is prepared to work tirelessly to help them.
A very readable and uplifting story, set in a beautifully described landscape.
Rosemary Hayes, author
Himalayan Hostages
Two British boys meet up with their Nepali friend Atti, to rescue their parents from the clutches of kidnappers. They have to contend with dangerous wildlife, armed terrorists, crocodile infested rivers and hunger. This is an exciting yet believable tale of adventure, brotherly banter and dung fights.
The book is beautifuly illustrated with the animals that the children encounter.
Madagascar Misadventure
This story takes you to Madagascar with its graphic descriptions and sounds, totally enchanting and captivating from start to finish.
Tricia A