Wild

After the death of his father, Jack struggles to cope. He resents how busy his mother is at work, keenly feeling the loss of the person who he believes knew him the best. Everything has changed and Jack finds himself under the influence of a new group of ‘friends’ who lead him to do things which he knows are wrong and everything starts to spiral out of control. When his mother suggests that he join her on a trip to the rainforest, Jack agrees. He finds himself launched into a completely different world where it seems his mother has another life with friends-like-family that Jack knew nothing about and a passion for saving the rainforest from loggers who are encroaching on the indigenous people’s land. As they travel through the unfamiliar and unpredictable rainforest, Jack begins to find himself once more…

Ele Fountain is an incredible author whose writing truly transports the reader to the world of her books, immersing them in the life of her characters. In ‘Wild’, she presents Jack, whose raw grief can be felt in his every action whilst he himself is trying to quash his emotions and escape the reality of life without his father. His sense of isolation from his mother and his resentment of her for not being his father- the person he made plans with, the one who he talked with all the time- is palpable as he tries to close himself off from her. The one thing that he still feels a passion for- street art- seems to be the very thing that will tempt him down a darker path. As a parent, I feel for his mother; as a mother, I feel for Jack.

As the story moves to the rainforest, all the beauty and dangers of this remote location are vividly described. Conservation issues and respect for the indigenous people are skilfully woven into the fabric of the tale, creating greater impact as the reader, through Jack’s eyes and experience, becomes invested in this unique place. The story would make an excellent text to use at the heart of learning in English with much to discuss and explore for reading, writing and discussion as well as offering satisfying cross curricular possibilities.

One NOT to miss- publishing 4th May 2023.

Wild Ele Fountain

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782693840