Storm Child
Maya's life is about to capsize. After her dad's fishing boat is ravaged by a relentless storm, her parents make the decision to start over-by moving to a tropical island.
Far from her friends and her beloved clifftop home, Maya embarks on an adventure that promises sunshine, surf and fresh beginnings. But as she makes friends with local islander Kalani, Maya soon realises that paradise is not always what it seems…
Swept away by a storm much larger than herself, can Maya bring her family back home again?
(Synopsis taken from book)
Ele Fountain has done it again with another compelling, absorbing read which challenges the reader to reflect on many things.
Maya loves the thrill of surfing. As a Penrose, she has salt water running through her veins, living where her family have always done, on the cliffs over the bay bearing her family’s name. They have been struggling and when her father’s boat is destroyed by a storm, Maya’s parents decide to move to the other side of the world, leaving her feeling out of control.
Beautiful though her new home is, Maya is plagued by loneliness and waves of homesickness. And when she meets Kalani, her awareness of the fragility of nature grows and she is forced to reflect on the consequences of decisions, whether made on a personal, on a family, on a community or even a global basis, and the importance of staying true to who you are and what you believe in. The story beautifully weaves together themes of friendship, environmental issues, being a ‘global citizen’ and of being yourself.
With wonderful descriptions throughout the story, the sea- its sights, sounds, dangers and healing- is a constant presence. Although Maya and her family have moved to paradise, events of part two cleverly echo those of part one, showing the grass isn’t always greener on the other side and that it is important to follow your heart.
I have never yet read a book by Ele Fountain that I haven’t really enjoyed, but there is something very special about this one. Highly recommended!
Storm Child
Ele Fountain
Pushkin ISBN: 978-1782693888
Published July 2024
You can read my review of ‘Wild’ here.
