The Story
Maia is in search of a true home.
Can you imagine being sent from an English boarding school to the middle of the rainforest to live with unknown relatives who are not what they seem?
For the past two years, eleven year old Maia has lived in England at the Mayfair Academy for young ladies, ever since her archaeology loving parents died in a train crash whilst exploring the unknown lands of Egypt. However, her guardian locates relatives in Brazil. A long boat ride awaits Maia as she travels with the Carters’ new governess Miss Minton, who she soon develops a fondness for as they cross the icy Atlantic Ocean. Maia meets a young actor, Clovis King who is performing in the nearby town of Manaus and promises to watch him at the theatre.
Maia is expecting to meet two caring, loving girls (the Carters’ twin daughters) whom she will share many great adventures with. However, she finds two self-obsessed, spiteful cousins who do not have any intention of giving Maia warm welcome…
My Thoughts
Maia is by far my favourite character. I love her attitude to the jungle. She is determined not to follow the twins’ lead by refusing to go outdoors. Beautiful flowers and animals await Maia behind the curtain of leaves that can reveal so much. Maia is brave and caring and can do anything – if she puts her mind to it – and only with her closest friends of course!
This book has the excitement of the Amazon and a great growing plot which are thrilling and keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I would recommend this book to anybody who craves the joy of adventure and would be inspired by seeing a different world through Maia’s positive bright eyes.
The Dragonfly Pool is another one of Eva Ibbotson’s wonderful books and has the same feel in its characters.
Be brave and have an open heart. That is what you take away from this book and is a very important message. I would give this book 4.5 stars out of 5 for its mesmerising description and fantastic setting.
Can the Carters prevail in dampening Maia’s spirit or will she find true friends in the jungle?
