From School Library Journal
Grade 6-8-- A rich, multilayered story set on the windblown New Zealand coast with an ending to rival the best of the suspense thriller genre. It begins slowly with Tris, a lonely boy with an active fantasy life; picks up speed when he meets and shelters Winola, a runaway from the local children's home; and careens to an exciting finish when the children are kidnapped at gunpoint by the girl's psychotic father, Orson. During their ensuing captivity and rescue, they piece together the puzzle of their intertwined lives. All of the characters in this intricately woven plot are well drawn. Winola is a survivor who has emerged from an abusive family as a strong, tough-minded individual with a generous streak of compassion. Tris grows up to the point that he can let go of his fantasies to enjoy the very real pleasures of his everyday life. Orson is a menacing figure who can yet elicit sympathy from the children. Mahy respects her readers' intelligence and demands their full attention. Her story is filled with foreshadowing, symbolism, and beautifully crafted imagery. This is one of those rare novels for young people that tells a great story yet also asks them to stretch their minds a bit, reach beneath the surface, and think. --Bruce Anne Shook, Mendenhall Middle School, Greensboro, NC
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
When Tris discovers Winola tunneling her way out of the children's home, she quickly becomes a companion in his fantasy games. Winola's pursuer turns out to be no fantasy, but a genuine threat to them both--violent, dangerous and all-too-human. Richard Mitchley provides a distinct voice for each character and is marvelously "gritty and sharp" as Selsey Firebone--Tris's imaginary "alien-detecting secret agent." Pacing is brisk, descriptions vivid. However, occasional unfamiliar British words could slow down young listeners caught up in this compelling story. D.M.L (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio Cassette
edition.
