Anya's Quest

Sumptuously illustrated throughout in Jane Ray’s unique and unmistakable style, this is undoubtedly a beautiful package. The Costa winning author has woven together a story inspired by Hindu mythology with a strong ecological message for young readers about the need to look after our world, and particularly our rivers, which seems very topical at the moment! Set in the icy Himalayas, two contemporary young girls find themselves swept up into a fantastical journey with the goddess Ganga, who wants their help on an important mission. A mission that cannot be accomplished until the girls reconnect with their spiritual animals which anchor them to the natural world. Motherless rich girl Anya has the most difficult emotional journey to make. Surrounded by material possessions that her guilt-filled father has lavished upon her, she has far more than she needs, but is too wrapped up in her sadness to see this. Mahi, the cook’s daughter on the other hand, owns little but is blessed with a mother who spends time with her, making her by far the richer of the two. Anya’s father had suggested they could make friends, but Anya rudely spurns Mahi until the goddess brings them together.  Anya gradually comes to recognise Mahi’s qualities and they forge a strong bond. She also realises that she will herself be much happier if she starts to appreciate and share with others her many possessions. If at times the environmental message feels a bit heavy handed this is compensated for by the wonderful sense of place and of other cultures and mythology and by the lyrical beautifully descriptive writing as well as the stunning images.  I do, however always feel slightly uncomfortable about books that put the burden of saving the world squarely onto children’s shoulders, but I suspect that young readers will not.