SWALLOW'S DANCE BY WENDY ORR

Swallow’s Dance by award winning author Wendy Orr, is a powerful novel set during a period of history known as the Bronze Age. The ancient island of Thera in the Mediterranean Sea, was annihilated and covered in lava during a catastrophic volcanic eruption.

Three thousand years later, archaeologists digging through metres of hardened volcanic ash and lava, discovered a civilisation that was both sophisticated and an important trading presence in the area. Frescos, uncovered in some of the houses, depicted ceremonies with young girls collecting crocus flowers. One girl in particular caught the eye of the author and the idea for the novel sprang to life.

The main character, Leira, her mother and faithful nurse maid Nunu, struggle to escape the destruction of the earthquake. They leave their home on the Isle of Swallows and are taken to a safer island by her father, further from the raging mountain and Goddess’ anger. Leira is tasked with continuing the family’s trading business while Dada sails to look for goods. Soon after her father sails away, a tsunami destroys much of the township and now the lords in the palace have refused to protect them. The surviving townsfolk are superstitious and worse still, there is little food or shelter left. The raging wave and ash have contaminated rivers and destroyed crops and houses. Leira, Mama and Nunu are all alone.

Mama was severely injured in the initial earthquake and as a consequence, is like a small child who must be cared for constantly. Nunu, who is more like a grandmother to Leira, is tired and old and they are running out of options. Things get worse when they must find shelter away from the town and some kind of work in order to receive food rations. Leira, who had been bought up in a very privileged house, must now work as the lowliest slave. Her whole world and the expectations of how her life would be, have gone. Uncertainty and fear, as well as exhaustion and hunger are her constant companions. After working for months in the most despised job in society, she is befriended by a master potter and given an apprenticeship. Now her small family is given proper shelter and a sense of belonging. Their future is uncertain, but the world has changed and she must come to terms with this and change with it.

Wendy Orr’s novel is beautifully written in both prose and verse. The mixture giving the reader an insight into the rituals of an ancient people. Leira and her family’s struggle reflect many of today’s troubles. People displaced by war or natural disasters would be experiencing the same kind of emotional devastation and anxiety as this ancient fictional character. Orr’s story is one of fear, but also of inner strength and the kindness of strangers.

For Ages: 10-14 years

Number of Pages: 274 in paperback.

Published: June 2018

Themes: Family, displaced people and courage.

Rating: 4/5

I wish: I could travel back in time and see how people used to live.