Jane Wilson-Howarth

Fiction

 
 
 

reviews

Chasing the Tiger

In this second of the Alex and James adventures the story begins with the boys and their parents imprisoned by Maoists in Nepal, in filthy conditions. As they are being moved to a remote hideout, the boys escape and, with their friend Bim, they try to follow their parents, hoping to free them. This is a journey fraught with danger not only from the angry Maoists but also from wild animals and hostile conditions. Wonderfully accurate black and while illustrations by Betty Levene bring the story (and the animals) to life for the reader.


Madagascar Misadventure

I listened to this story before recommending it to a teenager. It has that good mix of excitement and natural history that I like in a book. Read in a clear, warm voice, it's a good story to sit back and relax to.
I knew nothing about Madagascar until I heard the story, but I soon realised that the author really knows the island and by end I felt I'd been there.

book lover


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


Snowfed Waters

Snowfed Waters is a great read. It is an engaging love story; at times a fast-moving thriller; a thoughtful account of cultures that are baffling to one another; and a vividly detailed and observant travel book - all in one. It movingly tells the story of a troubled and outspoken young woman, Sonia, who travels to Nepal in search of distraction and finds healing instead. I defy any reader not to fall in love with the teenage local girl, Moti, a wonderful creation. There is a good ending too, not entirely predictable but absolutely right. 

Victor Watson, author