I loved this book, and I'm so sorry it's out of print! I thought Elsha was an amazing character, and I had a lot of sympathy for her. It's true, one reviewer said, that she's very reckless sometimes, and does some stupid things. But, to me, that made her character more vivid and believable.The book does have one or two problems. Definitely, Elsha relies a little too much on men, and I can see how her relationships with them might bother some readers -- though I think they are very true-to-life, for a young woman in her situation.On the whole, the book has interesting, vivid characters, a well-worked out plot, a unique setting, and some beautiful writing -- evocative, sometimes even poetic, but not overblown. It is one of my favorites among Sherryl Jordan's novels.
This book really is amazing! Imagine: a strange boy comes into a middle school classroom, with his little brother, who refuses to speak and will not take off his large, fuzzy hat, and proceeds rule the roost. Told in a series of flashbacks, centered around beautiful, quasi-poloroid illustrations, this is an absolutely unique collaboration of artist and author, and a great story!Note: I read a review which said that this was an inaccurate depiction of Mongolian culture. I am sure that it is, but that is part of the point of the book. The main character is very young, and displaced. His culture is what he invents -- and he has amazing verve and imagination.I also loved that the book is based on a true story, and that the author tells you exactly how much of the story is real. That makes the book: 1. very poignant, and 2. an amazing paean to the power of the imagination.In sum: This book is awesome! Read it, you won't regret it!
