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
Snowfed Waters
Written in controlled prose, Jane Wilson-Howarth's Snowfed Waters, the novel where Sonia Swayne's sojourn in Nepal is brought to life, is a remarkable example of culturespeak, the trajectories showing along familiar and the untrodden routes.
Assam Tribune
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