Fabulous reads – Second novel will have you roaring with glee
Book review - When the Mountains Roared by Jess Butterworth.
When the Mountains Roared, Jess Butterworth, Pan Macmillan
When the Mountains Roared is the much anticipated second standalone novel by Butterworth. With high praise for her first book Running on the Roof the World, her second book has been met with equal positivity.
Ruby has arrived at the new hotel her father will be managing, after a quick escape in the middle of the night from Australia. As she was forced to leave almost everything she owns behind, she looks to her future with little hope. The derelict hotel is falling apart and with no electricity and the threat of a haunted mountain, Ruby struggles to adapt.
ALSO READ: Fabulous reads – Rowling’s imagination runs wild in cute novel
Twelve-year-old Ruby deals with the grief from losing her mother, the anger she feels towards her father and the time-old struggle of a cultural cross over she was never prepared for. When she discovers poachers are on her mountain, Ruby, an avid animal lover, learns the lesson of standing up for what she believes in, no matter the cost.
Butterworth paints a vivid story of Ruby and her family. The chapters are set with simple words but create such complex and brilliant scenes, you feel as though you are right there in the middle of the jungle. Dealing with real life and believable issues such as grief, anger and friendship, Ruby is also exposed to the evil of poaching and the importance of the war against it. 4 stars for a great read for any tween or teenager.
Do you want to receive alerts regarding this and other Highway community news via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
