Ally arrives from England with her brothers to stay for a month in Africa - weeks of running wild on an unspoiled, untamed coast amid mangrove creeks, vast white sandy beaches, coral reefs and warm seas. But on their first walk through the forest to the beach, Ally is swamped by a sense of an unseen presence close to her - of being spoken to. The feeling increases as a local teenager, Leli enthusiastically sweeps her into the world of his village and their offshore island (Kisiri - the place of secrets). It's the beginning of a friendship that swiftly becomes an intense, overwhelming bond between them.
Kisiri is a place of local legend, protected and feared: village youngsters dare each other to go there. Village elders forbid it. Ally and Leli feel drawn to it, and land on its shores. At once Ally feels again that invisible presence, a whispered voice.
But fear can change things, divide people. The bond between Ally and Leli feels unbreakable. But suddenly everything, everyone, conspires to drive a wedge between them. She is, after all, an outsider - a visitor, no more. Only weeks away, she will leave for England, simply walk away, never to return, how can she possibly share, or help?
Praise for Song Beneath The Tides:
"A fine book, vibrant and powerful, infused with a deep love for a land and its history. She cleverly interleaves the greed and violence of the colonial past into a gripping story of modern day smuggling, poaching and exploitation and shows how such threats can be defeated and overcome by love, friendship, loyalty and a people’s respect for the land, its culture and each other."
Celia Rees, children’s author
"I loved SONG BENEATH THE TIDES! I think it’s brilliant, lyrical and portrayed with a nuance that captures the beauty, history and contradictions of present day Africa. Particularly loved the tenderness and poignant recognition that draw Ally and Leli together, the past infusing the present until they inevitably collide. Also, that Leli has agency and the villagers led by Mzee Shaibu determine their fate in the end despite the powerful interests that converge on Kisiri."
Adamma Oti Okonko, sensitivity reader for Song Beneath the Tides
"A magical layered story weaving past and present that stole my heart."
Jasbinder Bilan, Costa-winning children’s author
"Beautifully drawn, haunting and so heartbreaking, yet so life-affirming"
Sarah Mussi, award winning author of Siege
"Beautifully written, atmospheric and intriguing"
Leighton Park School Librarian
"A beautiful, eerie and political love story."
Liz Flanagan, children’s author
"Song Beneath the Tides is a fascinating, richly-layered novel asking big questions about how we explore and understand the past as well as deftly building to a thrilling climax."
Cath Howe, children’s author
"Song Beneath the Tides is a wonderfully told story that crosses history with modern political issues, and diverse cultures seen through different perspectives. Evocative landscapes are woven together with engaging characters to create a rich tapestry of mystery, suspense, and teenage romance. Raising environmental issues that really make the reader think, this is an essential book for secondary school libraries to spark discussions on themes such as community, ownership, cultural differences and values, and the power of beautifully descriptive writing."
Victoria Williamson, children’s author
"This is a stunning and sophisticated combination of romance and mystery and is sure to be devoured by teenagers and adults alike."
ReadingZone
"Told in parallel timelines, this novel is a unique and fresh story for YA readers. It presents challenging themes in an accessible, engaging and thought-provoking way and at its heart it is a story about hope and the importance of working together."
The Scotsman
"Lyrical, layered and dealing with relevant themes of animal poaching and the effects of uncontrolled tourism, this is a powerful novel, transporting the reader to a richly observed setting. It stays with you long after closing the last page."
Ipswich Children’s Book Group
Kisiri is a place of local legend, protected and feared: village youngsters dare each other to go there. Village elders forbid it. Ally and Leli feel drawn to it, and land on its shores. At once Ally feels again that invisible presence, a whispered voice.
But fear can change things, divide people. The bond between Ally and Leli feels unbreakable. But suddenly everything, everyone, conspires to drive a wedge between them. She is, after all, an outsider - a visitor, no more. Only weeks away, she will leave for England, simply walk away, never to return, how can she possibly share, or help?
Praise for Song Beneath The Tides:
"A fine book, vibrant and powerful, infused with a deep love for a land and its history. She cleverly interleaves the greed and violence of the colonial past into a gripping story of modern day smuggling, poaching and exploitation and shows how such threats can be defeated and overcome by love, friendship, loyalty and a people’s respect for the land, its culture and each other."
Celia Rees, children’s author
"I loved SONG BENEATH THE TIDES! I think it’s brilliant, lyrical and portrayed with a nuance that captures the beauty, history and contradictions of present day Africa. Particularly loved the tenderness and poignant recognition that draw Ally and Leli together, the past infusing the present until they inevitably collide. Also, that Leli has agency and the villagers led by Mzee Shaibu determine their fate in the end despite the powerful interests that converge on Kisiri."
Adamma Oti Okonko, sensitivity reader for Song Beneath the Tides
"A magical layered story weaving past and present that stole my heart."
Jasbinder Bilan, Costa-winning children’s author
"Beautifully drawn, haunting and so heartbreaking, yet so life-affirming"
Sarah Mussi, award winning author of Siege
"Beautifully written, atmospheric and intriguing"
Leighton Park School Librarian
"A beautiful, eerie and political love story."
Liz Flanagan, children’s author
"Song Beneath the Tides is a fascinating, richly-layered novel asking big questions about how we explore and understand the past as well as deftly building to a thrilling climax."
Cath Howe, children’s author
"Song Beneath the Tides is a wonderfully told story that crosses history with modern political issues, and diverse cultures seen through different perspectives. Evocative landscapes are woven together with engaging characters to create a rich tapestry of mystery, suspense, and teenage romance. Raising environmental issues that really make the reader think, this is an essential book for secondary school libraries to spark discussions on themes such as community, ownership, cultural differences and values, and the power of beautifully descriptive writing."
Victoria Williamson, children’s author
"This is a stunning and sophisticated combination of romance and mystery and is sure to be devoured by teenagers and adults alike."
ReadingZone
"Told in parallel timelines, this novel is a unique and fresh story for YA readers. It presents challenging themes in an accessible, engaging and thought-provoking way and at its heart it is a story about hope and the importance of working together."
The Scotsman
"Lyrical, layered and dealing with relevant themes of animal poaching and the effects of uncontrolled tourism, this is a powerful novel, transporting the reader to a richly observed setting. It stays with you long after closing the last page."
Ipswich Children’s Book Group