By Candy Gourlay (author)
"A deep dive into another culture, a shameful episode of history and one girl’s fight for self determination"
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Shortlisted for the Children's & YA Jhalak Prize 2024 | March 2023 Book of the Month
This highly anticipated companion novel to the Carnegie shortlisted Bone Talk is an even more remarkable achievement. I would not call it a sequel, although we do meet characters again, the voice and perspective is very different.
This is Luki’s story as narrated to the spirit of her dead mother and from the first sentence we are entirely immersed in her world in the mountains of the Philippines in 1904 and follow her decision to leave her village behind and travel with the charismatic American, Truman Hunt, to St Louis to take part in the World's Fair.
I don’t think I have ever experienced quite so strongly, the feeling of inhabiting another life as in reading this extraordinary piece of storytelling. There is absolutely no doubt that readers will be changed by this experience, we are not just learning a forgotten history, we are living it. We experience Luki’s aspirations, her misgivings, and her recognition of the truth about the people she meets and are ultimately appalled by the treatment they receive.
Real people and real events are seamlessly woven into the narrative and the book valuably includes more information and sources at the back. What is depicted here is indeed a shameful episode in American history and reflects appalling attitudes of racial superiority. But this country is every bit as guilty of such colonialism and disgraceful treatment of indigenous peoples and their cultures.
Unfortunately, people who are different, whether in appearance, way of life or beliefs also continue to be treated with contempt and even demonised today. Similarly, Luki’s quest for more than a subjugated female role and the way she kicks against the constraints imposed upon her, while balancing a deep love and respect for her traditions, is a dichotomy that will resonate with many girls and women today.
This is a potent and powerful novel that is as unforgettable as it is beautifully and accessibly written. It deserves a place on every award list and to be put into the hands of as many readers of any age as you can!
The year is 1904. Luki has lived a tribal life in the mountains of the Philippines. Now she's growing up, she is expected to become a wife and a mother, but Luki isn't ready to give up her dream to become a warrior.
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When her tribe are offered a journey to America to be part of the St. Louis World's Fair, Luki will discover that the land of opportunity does not share its possibilities equally . . .
Gourlay's brilliant storytelling will have the reader turning every page eagerly, willing Luki on at every step - The Bookseller, Book of the Month
A powerful story of courage and bravery . . . impossible to put down. Wild Song is beautifully told - it is vivid, compassionate and heartfelt - Jasbinder Bilan
Vital storytelling, poignant and powerful - Sophie Anderson
Praise for Bone Talk;
One of the standout titles of the year - Independent
Very special - The Times
Gourlay's evocative writing grips from the outset - Guardian
A master storyteller - The Scotsman
Vividly drawn . . . mesmerising - Observer
Candy Gourlay was born in Manila during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos; after working as a journalist for some years, she moved to the UK in her twenties. Candy is now a full-time writer across a range of medium; short stories, blogs, websites, journalistic features and radio programmes. TALL STORY is Candy’s first full-length published novel.
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The year is 1904. Luki has lived a tribal life in the mountains of the Philippines.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Wild Song and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
Wild Song features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Featured Books for Young Adults, Gritty Reads, Historical Fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Star Books, Featured Books for 13+ readers
Paperback, Hardback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
Wild Song was written by Candy Gourlay and published by David Fickling Books
Wild Song has 322 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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