Description
Reviews
NZ author David Hill ~ “Teenage girls especially will like the idealism, energy and intensity of Lucy and Soline.”
Nova Gibson, Read NZ Te Pou Muramura ~ “This novel is the third in the Lucy Bee series but is a complete story in its own right. Soline is a French student staying with Lucy Bee’s family on the Kapiti Coast. Lucy Bee’s classmates all seem to know what they’d like to do after high school in terms of study and career, but Lucy Bee feels adrift with no clear path ahead. One day, Soline receives a phone call from home with devastating news: the family chateau may have to be sold. Soline is understandably upset as it has been in her family for generations. As Soline opens up more and more to Lucy Bee, they make comparisons between the importance of land and heritage in France and Māori land issues in Aotearoa. The girls read about Patricia Grace’s battle with Waka Kotahi to keep family land. Anne Ingram tells the story in alternating chapters from each girl’s perspective. This mostly works well and the supportive friendship between them is a delight. The front cover sums up the novel beautifully. A chateau with grape vines is juxtaposed with a marae, native NZ birds and plants. Although France and Aotearoa are poles apart geographically and culturally, the author shows commonality through the importance of land, heritage and taonga. This book would appeal to ages 12-15. Recommended.”
Vanessa Hatley-Owen, Kidsbooksnz ~ “Discovery is at the heart of this enjoyable tale of two young girls from the opposite ends of the earth: discovery of self, friendship, interests, history, and ultimately a hidden treasure.” Read the full review.
Meet the Kiwi author