Review of Racing the Wild
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Atheena143
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Review of Racing the Wild
[Following is a volunteer review of "Racing the Wild" by Rosanna Andrea Feeken.]
Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship by Rosanna Andrea Feeken is a deeply engaging young adult novel that tells the story of Chris, a teenage boy who navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and self-discovery. Set against the breathtaking yet harsh landscape of the Australian bush, the novel combines elements of adventure with a poignant exploration of emotional resilience.
The protagonist, Chris, starts the book as a shy and somewhat reserved year 8 student at a new school. Despite his quiet nature, Chris quickly builds friendships, revealing his kind and intelligent character. However, his life outside of school is far from ideal. Chris’s father, Leon Franklin, is a renowned but domineering racehorse trainer who subjects Chris and his older twin brothers to a harsh, labor-intensive life on the family’s horse farm. The twins add to Chris's misery by bullying him, making his home life unbearable.
What truly stands out in Chris’s character is his passion for sketching. His art is more than just a hobby; it’s a refuge from the harsh realities of his life. Through his sketches, Chris finds a way to express his feelings and cope with the emotional abuse he endures. This creative outlet is a powerful aspect of the story, showing how art can be a form of therapy and self-expression.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when Chris’s bond with a horse he has been training is put at risk. Faced with the possibility of losing the animal he has grown to love, Chris makes a bold decision to run away into the wild Australian bush. This journey is fraught with danger, but it’s also a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The Australian bushland, with its vast and unpredictable terrain, serves as a fitting backdrop for Chris’s quest for freedom and justice.
Rosanna Andrea Feeken’s writing vividly captures the Australian landscape, making it almost a character in its own right. The descriptions of the bushland are rich and immersive, drawing the reader into the wild, untamed environment that mirrors Chris’s inner turmoil.
Racing the Wild is a story that doesn’t shy away from difficult themes like abuse and the struggle for personal freedom. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of friendship and self-expression. Chris’s journey is both a physical and emotional one, and his growth throughout the novel is inspiring and relatable.
The book is exceptionally well-edited, with a smooth narrative flow that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The character development is strong, with each character adding depth to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring that the plot unfolds naturally while maintaining a steady momentum.
One of the strengths of Racing the Wild is its ability to resonate with a wide range of readers. While it is aimed at young adults, the themes of resilience, friendship, and the fight for freedom are universal and will appeal to older readers as well. The book is not without its intense moments, but these are handled with sensitivity and care, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.
In conclusion, Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship is a beautifully crafted novel that blends adventure with emotional depth. It’s a story of survival, self-discovery, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I highly recommend it and give it a full 5 out of 5 stars for its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and the important messages it conveys.
******
Racing the Wild
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship by Rosanna Andrea Feeken is a deeply engaging young adult novel that tells the story of Chris, a teenage boy who navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and self-discovery. Set against the breathtaking yet harsh landscape of the Australian bush, the novel combines elements of adventure with a poignant exploration of emotional resilience.
The protagonist, Chris, starts the book as a shy and somewhat reserved year 8 student at a new school. Despite his quiet nature, Chris quickly builds friendships, revealing his kind and intelligent character. However, his life outside of school is far from ideal. Chris’s father, Leon Franklin, is a renowned but domineering racehorse trainer who subjects Chris and his older twin brothers to a harsh, labor-intensive life on the family’s horse farm. The twins add to Chris's misery by bullying him, making his home life unbearable.
What truly stands out in Chris’s character is his passion for sketching. His art is more than just a hobby; it’s a refuge from the harsh realities of his life. Through his sketches, Chris finds a way to express his feelings and cope with the emotional abuse he endures. This creative outlet is a powerful aspect of the story, showing how art can be a form of therapy and self-expression.
The plot takes a dramatic turn when Chris’s bond with a horse he has been training is put at risk. Faced with the possibility of losing the animal he has grown to love, Chris makes a bold decision to run away into the wild Australian bush. This journey is fraught with danger, but it’s also a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. The Australian bushland, with its vast and unpredictable terrain, serves as a fitting backdrop for Chris’s quest for freedom and justice.
Rosanna Andrea Feeken’s writing vividly captures the Australian landscape, making it almost a character in its own right. The descriptions of the bushland are rich and immersive, drawing the reader into the wild, untamed environment that mirrors Chris’s inner turmoil.
Racing the Wild is a story that doesn’t shy away from difficult themes like abuse and the struggle for personal freedom. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of friendship and self-expression. Chris’s journey is both a physical and emotional one, and his growth throughout the novel is inspiring and relatable.
The book is exceptionally well-edited, with a smooth narrative flow that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The character development is strong, with each character adding depth to the story. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring that the plot unfolds naturally while maintaining a steady momentum.
One of the strengths of Racing the Wild is its ability to resonate with a wide range of readers. While it is aimed at young adults, the themes of resilience, friendship, and the fight for freedom are universal and will appeal to older readers as well. The book is not without its intense moments, but these are handled with sensitivity and care, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.
In conclusion, Racing the Wild: A Journey of Freedom and Friendship is a beautifully crafted novel that blends adventure with emotional depth. It’s a story of survival, self-discovery, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. I highly recommend it and give it a full 5 out of 5 stars for its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and the important messages it conveys.
******
Racing the Wild
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Brothers Bound by Bruce K. Berger
