Description
A young girl with a tragic past and a rhinoceros facing life in captivity form an unlikely and magical bond after a fateful storm and a shipwreck bring them together. A moving tale about love, connection and the healing power of friendship.
1891
On a stormy night off the coast of southern Australia, a ship transporting a cargo of exotic animals tosses and turns in enormous seas.
Rhino senses they are in grave danger. . .
Not far away, ten-year-old Evie and her grandfather shelter in their crumbling, once-grand old home. They know too well how deadly storms can be. When all is calm, Evie treks over the dunes to the sea and makes a discovery that will change her life, and Rhino’s, forever.
Will the tragedies of their pasts finally be put to rest?
Review
Set in 1891, on the rugged coast of Cape Otway in Victoria, Evie is a ten-year-old girl who lives with her Grandpa. Both her parents drowned in a shipwreck two years earlier, and she has struggled with her grief ever since, and has not uttered a word since that tragic day.
She loves the outdoors and her Grandpa has instilled in her a love of nature, so when she comes across a strange creature that has washed up on the beach, her first instinct is to help and protect it.
But can a ten-year-old girl really look after, and be safe around, a rhinoceros?
The bond that forms between Evie and Rhino is truly magical. Rhino has his own memories of his family and of happier times, but Evie has stirred something in him and he trusts her like he has never trusted another human. Can they save each other, or will this connection be broken forever?
This is an absolutely delightful and touching story, with beautiful characters who have such warm and genuine relationships. Grandpa’s love and care for Evie is evident throughout the book, and it really is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading.
Those aged 9 and over will thoroughly enjoy this amazing and moving story.
Reviewed by Sam
