THE KITE RIDER. Geraldine McCaughrean.

Just for a change I wanted to transport you to an earlier time and place when conditions were poor and people less civilised. The story is set in the 13th Century in China, This is not Khaled Hossein's The Kite Runner which is another wonderful book.
McCaughrean has had an extremely successful career having written more than 130 books and received various prestigious awards and she is still going strong luckily for us.

Haoyou is the main character and we follow his turbulent journey from Dagu to Dadu, returning home, wiser and undefeated. If you think the world is violent today take a look at how it was then. Relatives were able to murder their offspring for disobedience or showing disrespect. Our teenagers would love that wouldn't they?

His loss of innocence happens when he witnesses his father's untimely death at the start of the novel.
Haoyou knew that his father's spirit lived among the clouds for he had seen him go up there with a soul and come down again without one.
It leaves a lasting impression.

Gou Pei was a seaman, on the point of leaving shore when he comes into conflict with the First Mate. It was a custom to test the wind before the boat sets sail and a good omen was needed otherwise it was believed the voyage would be doomed. Di Chou, the First Mate, an unscrupulous, despicable man detested Gou Pei, plied him with alcohol and had him strapped to the kite and sent to his death. We soon discover his motives.

When Di Chou courts Haoyou's mother the son devises a devious plot with the help of his cousin the medium, Mipeng and the First Mate is banished to sea in a drunken stupor. To make certain that the boat sets sail immediately, Haoyou agrees to the greatest challenge of his life-being a KITE RIDER. The omen is good and so the boat sets sail.

Haoyou's courage and daring disposition spread and he soon builds up a reputation which enables him to be offered work in a travelling circus. He makes his fortune which is then squandered by a greedy uncle through gambling.

The climax is when Haoyou meets Kubla Khan where history becomes narrative and narrative, history. Our hero overcomes obstacles upon obstacles and confronts death so many times. Will he survive? Or will he meet the same fate as his father? You'll have to read it to discover what happens for yourself won't you?

Publisher: O.U.P.  ISBN: 978-0-19832636-6



COPYRIGHT 2012. Permission must be obtained from the author before using this review.

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