Book review by Aarene Storms: A Story Like the Wind

A Story Like the Wind by Gill Lewis

In a small boat,
with a small hope,
in a rising wind,
on a rising sea...

The boat isn't really a boat, it's an inflatable pool toy. And yet, there are people on it, strangers, people who have come from a dangerous place, looking for safety.

The boy Rami has only the thing he grabbed as he ran, the thing he could not live without: a violin. He refuses to take food from other passengers, because he has nothing to share with them.

But of course, he does have something to share: a song and a story born out of oppression and resistance and respect and independence and hope.

The story-within-the-story is the traditional Mongolian tale of Suke, a young shepherd boy who raised an orphan foal to be a great strong white stallion. When the Dark Lord brought oppression and poverty to the people, only the boy and his horse stood up and refused to capitulate, and they pay a terrible price.

The old Mongolian story reminds the passengers on the boat why they escaped, it makes them think of what they left behind, and most of all: after hearing the story, they are able to share their hopes for the new land ahead.

Prettily illustrated, this small book would be a good choice to share. Recommended for readers and listeners of all ages.

The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern

Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS astorms@kcls.org