Where The River Takes Us
by Lesley Parr
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Pub Date 16 Mar 2023 | Archive Date 16 Feb 2023
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Bloomsbury Children's Books
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Description
It’s February 1974 and working class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less hours for people to work, and less money to get by on. Thirteen-year-old Jason feels the struggle keenly. Ever since his parents died, it’s just been him and his older brother Richie. Richie is doing his best, but since he can’t make ends meet he’s been doing favours for the wrong people. Every day they fear they won't have enough and will have to be separated.
One thing that helps distract Jason is the urban legend about a beast in the valleys. A wild cat that roams the forest, far up the river from their bridge. When Jason's friends learn of a reward for proof of The Beast’s existence, they convince Jason this is the answer to his and Richie’s money problems. Richie can get himself out of trouble before it’s too late and the brothers can stay together.
And so a quest begins … Starting at the bridge of their village and following the river north, the four friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them … forever.
With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure gives us the most exquisite characterisation and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this utterly timeless and one of the finest historical fiction stories in the market today.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781526647771 |
| PRICE | £7.99 (GBP) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Emma P, Reviewer
I adored this one.
An adventure full of heart and friendship set in post-war Wales,
It's 1974 and things are tough - 3 day week and rations - but for Richie and his brother Jason, things are even tougher as they try to survive together since the death of their parents. When Richie gets pulled into shady dealings to try and make ends meet Jason wants to help his older brother who is always looking out for both of them. Rumours of a wild cat, with a reward of £100 for an actual photo capture the imagination of Jason and his friends... and they're off.
What unfolds is an adventure filled with drama, friendship, brothers and healing.
Emma Perry
Melanie L, Educator
Where The River Takes Us is the third book written by Lesley Parr and is set in 1970s Wales against the backdrop of the miners’ strikes. The story centres around Jason and his older brother Richie, whose parents have died, and their struggle to stay together. Jason and his very special gang of friends then join together on a quest to help him out financially by trekking to the mountains to get a photograph of a mysterious big cat that is prowling the landscape, for a reward of £100. The friends are so beautifully written, and whilst the story is set in the 1970s, the portrayal of how Jason & Richie deal with the loss of their parents, and the way Jason’s friends support him, will resonate with many children and adults who read this book. Catrin is a particular favourite of mine - resilient, bright, witty and unafraid! She reminds me of so many girls I have taught over the years and she is accepted into the ‘gang’ by showing Jinx and Tam that she is every bit as good as they are. The main thing I love about Lesley’s writing is that she uses the history of the period to enhance her characters and the story she is telling. The history is subtle but weaves through the story, so that by the end of it you feel as if you were there and lived through it too. Be warned though, it is emotional and you may need a hankie (just in case!) Another treasure trove of historical fiction and I loved it!
Librarian 255581
I am pleased to say that Lesley Parr has become one of my trusted authors who I would preorder their latest book without knowing a single thing about it but assured that I will love & savour it. What I especially loved with this novel is that I could ‘hear’ Lesley’s beautiful Welsh lilt of a voice reading it. As someone who grew up in the seventies, it took me straight back to my childhood & the reminder of those times in references to language, phrases, food, drink & magazines was a treat. The banter between the children was believable & evocative of the era. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!
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