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 Hideout
An enjoyable story; good fun, with a great pace, and the natural world woven into it without it being too obvious. Plus the author has a fantastic reading voice.
the audiobook
Himalayan Kidnap
16 year old Alex and his 12 year old brother James are asked to take a mysterious package to their parents, who are engaged in animal research in the Nepalese jungle. They soon become involved in a dangerous journey involving betrayal, wild animals, avalanches, deep and dark caves and kidnap by Maoist insurgents, as well as help from many Nepalis, including their young friend Atti. The story moves rapidly from one incident and escape to another, and is sure to hold the interest of young readers. Throughout the book Jane’s knowledge and love of Nepal, its people, its geography and its wildlife shine through the narrative, skilfully making it as informative as it is entertaining. The book includes a glossary of Nepali terms used in the text, as well as delightful illustrations by Betty Levene of many of the creatures encountered by Alex and James during their adventure. Young readers given this book, whether in print format or as an ebook will devour it and will eagerly await the next of Alex and James’s adventures.
Mike Townend in Travelwise
Madagascar Misadventure
A great tale for teenagers, already available to read on kindle (see reviews on Amazon). The audiobook is engagingly narrated by the author and augmented with atmospheric sounds of local birds.
Dhankutawallah