FlumeAward – Anila’s Journey Discussion page for Anila’s Journey.
Does Mary Finn have a gift for language!!! This gorgeously written story is enchanting even though the plot is a bit weak. As I was reading and being absorbed by the resplendent language, I thought, this book is a diadem in the crown of India; I read it very slowly, savoring every gorgeous word. Does it belong on the Flume list? Well, it’s culturally rich and interesting enough with a very brave and adventurous young girl trying to make her way in late eighteenth century colonial India. Her primary asset is her gift for drawing birds, and she eventually procures a position with a Mr. Walker to find a new species of bird on a journey up the Ganges river; he wishes to name this bird after his deceased sister, and have our Anila draw it. His goal becomes Anila’s quest to find not only herself, but her lost father. Narration is divided by Anila in the present and in her past. Both threads create a bit of suspense and do draw the reader forward. I loved the book, but it would surprise me if teens were as enchanted… I’ll be eager to discuss it’s place on the list in the committee meeting. If there’s a place for it, I would love to see it in the top thirteen! It is a gift of a book, and again, I can’t say it enough, the flow and beauty of the writing is inspirational.
Lisa Houde Rye Public Library
I too loved the language, but I think the draw for me, to the characters, was as an adult. This would be a great read as part of a curriculum unit. I don’t think this title would have great appeal to Flume readers. Christine Tarrio Stephenson ML