Jane Wilson-Howarth

Fiction

 
 
 

reviews

Snowfed Waters

This book captures the sights, smells and drama of Nepal. Told in the first person in alternating scenes by Sonia, a neurotic Englishwoman who has come to Nepal to heal from the emotional bruises of a broken marriage and the loss of a job, and Rekraj, her Nepali guide and Guliya, the Nepali woman with whom Sonia lives, the story hinges on cultural misunderstandings, until a natural disaster shows strength of character that springs from deep within, a universal human trait.
I raced through this book. It's a page turner, vividly told.
 

Maggie S


Himalayan Kidnap

I read this book in one sitting finding it impossible to put it down.
This adventure story is set in Nepal with two boys as the main characters though there is also a no nonsense female character for whom the boys have great respect.. It is pacy and full of unforced information about the flora, fauna and culture in Nepal. As with James Bond the boys get into impossible situations and like him (thus far) they manage with ingenuity, luck and humour to extricate themselves.
Were I not retired from my position as a school librarian this book would be be heading for the library shelves. As it is, the grandchildren will benefit.

Pauline


Himalayan Hideout

The author has done another good job of giving us an intriguing plot with twists and turns while providing glimpses into the life, culture and scenery of the Himalayas. This should appeal to young adults and adults (read advanced teen readers and beyond). The author again proved she’s in the relatively small circle of authors who can provide a respectable performance of her own work.

Leanne


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.