Journey to the River Sea - Eva Ibbotson
Journey to the River Sea - Eva Ibbotson
The Journey to the River Sea was runner up of the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year and the Guardian Fiction Award. It is about a young orphaned girl named Maia who lives in the Mayfair Academy for Young Ladies.
This academy takes in young girls who are orphans or whose parents are abroad. Maia has no relatives but soon discovers from Mr Murray a lawyer, that she has long lost relatives living in the Amazon.Maia along with her governess Miss Minton make the long journey down to the Amazon. When Maia arrives she is greeted by Mr and Mrs Carter and their two children Beatrice and Gwendolyn but the family aren’t what Maia expected. When Maia and Miss Minton go outside the house into the Amazon she discovers a whole new way of life.
This novel is richly colourful romantic adventure aimed at young teenagers but the language is more suited for 10-12 years olds. Escape becomes the main theme in this novel as the Carters have created a prison for themselves, as isolated as possible from their environment. Maia is smart, brave and very wise compared to the likes of Beatrice and Gwendolyn who are selfish and rude to everyone around them especially Maia. Miss Minton loves books and shares this passion with Maia.
The Amazon setting helps to paint a picture of brightly coloured macaws and orchids. Journey to the River Sea is a real page turner. The novel always leaves you wanting more. The ending of the novel was a success, it left you with a cliff-hanger - I’m not saying anymore. I hope that readers from every generation will treasure this lush adventure. I would give this novel 5 out of 5 a must read.
Ayesha
