Where The River Takes Us – Lesley Parr

I thought the blackouts would at least mean no more homework. No such luck, and the way Richie goes on about wanting me to have better choices than he has, he’d probably set me some himself anyway. He’s stricter about it than Mam and Dad ever were. He used to do my sums for me then. And he was fun. Now he keeps on about being my guardian, so I have to do what he says. I preferred him when he was just my brother.

It’s time to head back to February 1974: working class families are struggling with a three day working week and there’s less power. 13 year old Jason and his older brother Richie are trying to make ends meet after the loss of their parents but it’s difficult and Richie is using criminal means to support them. When an elusive ‘beast’ is spotted in the valleys, Jason and his friends set out to get a photograph and claim the reward money. It will be a journey which will change all their lives…

I love the title Where The River Takes Us as it’s a beautiful metaphor for the (sometimes turbulent) journey that the characters take in Lesley’s latest novel. I adored The Valley of Lost Secrets and When The War Came Home so I’m very thankful to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for this early read – once again, Lesley has created unforgettable characters, this time in a time period which isn’t regularly explored in children’s literature. At a time when strikes are happening, the cost of living is going up and there’s reports there could be power cuts again, this book has become more imperative reading. While I was an 80s baby, the themes of this story certainly resonate with me today.

Exploring February 1974 in Wales, the story follows some friends out to spot a big cat reportedly lurking in Blaengarw in order to claim the reward which could support Jason and his brother with paying for their house, which could be about to be repossessed by the bank. It’s an interesting analogy – searching for this beast when Jason, Catrin, Jinx and Tam are all searching for something themselves. Their friendships – and conflicts – are such a joy to read (like wrapping you in a cwtch!) and like Stand By Me, this journey will change all their lives. Jason provides the emotional heart of the story as he grapples with grief and trying to protect his older brother, who has had to take on a guardian role and lost what’s left of his childhood. There’s certainly points you’ll need a tissue!

Another captivating, sophiscated story, Where The River Takes Us sends us on the most beautiful journey and explores friendship and grief amidst the troubled economic and social backdrop in the 70s. If you’re a fan of Lesley’s stories, you’ll hopefully spot a clever nod to The Valley of Lost Secrets too! Also, who doesn’t love chapter titles about crisp sandwiches and fish finger sandwiches? No doubt this is one of the most anticipated reads of 2023!

Suggested reading age: 9+

Where The River Takes Us is written by Lesley Parr and will be published by Bloomsbury on 16th March 2023. You can preorder your copy here – I definitely will be!