I have found the time to finish a book, and have finally found the time to blog about it (about two weeks later) I wish it happened a little closer together as I feel I could do the book more justice, however here we go.
I have read Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson before, when I was a little younger.
Technically it is a children's story, but it's fun and adventurous and it isn't strictly for children. A trip to the mysterious Amazon, two evil 'step-sisters' and step parents, a well to do orphan and a mysterious child who lives on boat on the river. Throw in a young actor who desperately wants to get back to England, and you have a story.
It's nicely written, I did feel a little let down at then end, perhaps it was just a little rushed, and ended a little conveniently. Too many nice characters and not enough bad people, more bad people! I think I wanted more complexity, but perhaps this is where i have to be remembering that it is a childrens book and also that I shouldn't be jumping into the anti mush campaign with too difficult a start.
There are some truly lovely moments, for example; don't you like Shakespeare? Asked Maia. Miss Minton gave her a look. 'I rank Shakespeare as second only to god,' she said. 'which is why I am going to my cabin.'
This story has put me in mind of other childhood adventure stories and I think I may include an Enid Blyton book soon.
One down! 29 books remaining, 400 Days to go
