Pages

Saturday, August 24, 2019

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



No comments:

Post a Comment

We encourage the thoughtful sharing of information and ideas. We expect comments to be civil and respectful, with no personal attacks or offensive language. We reserve the right to delete any comment.