Tangara

Tangara ('Let us set off again') dates from 1960 and it shows. The opening is not promising--geographical detail, complicated sentence structures, some stilted conversation: ' "How's Snowy?" "Bubbling with inward excitement..." ' Given the stamina to get through the introductions to place and character, the committed top junior reader will find it well worthwhile. Steeped in the history of the indigenous Tasmanians, Nan Chauncy weaves a complex tale of ordinary white farmers, age-old, earth-rooted Aborigines and the strange friendship that develops between the white girl and the black. Strange because Merrina, the young Aborigine, can evoke the spirits and events of her race's past. The white girl is confronted with some unsavoury home truths. While the style continues a trifle stilted, the events and characters are strong enough to compel the reader on to the exciting and moving finish. Brian Wildsmith's illustrations are a great enhancement to an intriguing book.