Bk Rvw 1 - Journey to the River Sea

[Rahiel]

A wonderfully written story about an English orphan called Maia who has zeal and endless admiration for the nature and life of the Amazon rich with a variety of creatures, plants and indigenous people that reflect the true peaceful spirit of the forest, unlike her relatives, the Carters.

Throughout the whole book, I could hear the echoes of the rainforest at the back of my mind. It is as if you almost want to escape from reality and be where Maia is: in the presence of such bounty that is stirring with the music of nature; the rushing of streams and rivers, the sounds of raindrops, and the calls of boundless wildlife. It is as though we entered another world with Maia and yet it opens our eyes as to how the hidden worlds can be the most extraordinary and serene and pristine; like a hidden gem. However, the Carters are blind to see the beauty of nature that shines on their very doorstep, blinded by their own detestable love of material and money (Beatrice and Gwendolyn especially), and armed with endless weapons of disinfectants in order to somewhat separate themselves from their vicinity, that is the great Amazon. Also, Maia sets an example of how to respond to rude behaviour from the twins; she always responds with a mature manner, something younger readers can learn from.

This book also takes us through the relationships Maia develops with Miss Minton, and particularly Clovis and Finn. After Clovis becomes disheartened by is performance in Manaus, Maia takes it within her to motivate him and help him find the self-confidence to express his gift in acting. What was also touching was that she was dedicated to keeping her promise she had made to Clovis whilst on the boat bound for Manaus previously: to watch his performance. Maia’s loyalty to Finn also shows how she would sacrifice her own desires to make him happy – Maia yearns for freedom and adventure in the rainforest whilst accompanying Finn on his journey to search for his mother’s tribe, the Xanti; however, Maia quells this desire for the sake of her friendship with Finn as he wishes for her not to join him. It was also lovely to follow the blossoming friendship of Miss Minton and Professor Glatsonberry.

Journey to the River Sea is definitely a book for all ages. The comical detective “crows” add good humour. It is a magical tale that Eva Ibbotson has beautifully composed, and it is definitely a book that I would read again, something I seldom say! Children can also learn some geographical facts along the way: e.g. the Amazon is the largest river in the world which is why it used to be called The River Sea; the city of Manaus is located within the Amazon; and there are no crocodiles in the Amazon. A line that resonates with me and is a lovely piece of advice to all readers was said by Maia about what her dad used to say to her (p. 250): ‘It was in Latin. Carpe Diem. “Seize the day”. Get the best out of it, get hold of it and live in it as hard as you can’.