Member Reviews
Anne-Marie M, Educator
#TheWayToImpossibleIsland by #SophieKirtley follows on from #TheWildWayHome which I unfortunately had not read. This lead to me being a little unsure in the early stages of this book. For those that have read the original story I believe this book tracks the story of the younger siblings. Dara, has significant health issues and just wants to be normal. An interesting perspective that many of our young people have no experience of, or have nothing in terms of reference if they have ongoing health issues. Mothgirl is from the Stone Age and the story follow as their worlds collide. This is a well written story with wonderful imagery to build mental pictures. The drama and fear builds with a surprising and unexpected end. This story is perfect for children in Key Stage 2 (9 years+). The narrator in this audio book was the author and she has a local accent (Northern Irish), so unusual to hear in audio books.
Many thanks to #Netgalley for gifting me an #Arc in exchange for an honest review.
Librarian 657815
This worked really well as an audiobook. The narrator was great with voices for the two main characters: Mothgirl and Dara, which made them easily distinguishable with the dual narrative structure of this story.
This is a story about finding yourself and not being bound by other's opinions of you. Dara has had a tough start to life and his illness appears to have severely limited what he is allowed to do. Mothgirl's limitations seem more gendered - that as a girl she cannot achieve what her brother Hart can aspire to. Mothgirl is from the stone age. I'm not entirely clear what motivates the two children's stories to cross, but it is clear that they each learn from the other.
This book addresses death though in terms of spirits and moving on to somewhere else, but don't let this put your off reading this with young children as many apparent sad moments are delicately handled and add to the tension of the story line - often all is not as it seems!
I loved this book! It offers so many opportunities for discussion: death, illness, genderism/equality, bravery, bullying, danger... The relationship between Mothgirl and Dara felt like a modern Stig of the Dump.
Footnote: I've just read 'The Wild Way Home' - 'The Way to Impossible Island' is fabulous and absolutely fine to read on its own; however, read TWWH first and there are all sorts of links and follow ups that really made me smile!
