Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace by Judith Vun Price and Jacqui Vun

Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace is a delightful story for 6-10 year olds. There is just enough scariness that children love but all works out in the end with an amusing twist.

 

The story is set in the Malaysian tropical forests and begins with Naknek Tata preparing breakfast for her husband Nenek Jantan (Nenek means grandparent). After farewelling him as he goes off on his bicycle to buy sugar, she sets about doing her daily chores feeding the animals, collecting water, and collecting the crabs from the pots in the mangrove swamp.

 

While she is at the swamp a monsoonal storm with heavy rain, thunder and lightning suddenly begin. Then a huge frightening monster emerges from the swamp dripping mud and begins following her. She rushes home and prepares to defend her home from the beast.

 

As the rain pours down on the monster the mud is washed away revealing it is just her husband who has fallen in the swamp when he crashed his bicycle.

 

The language used is an understandable level for the age group. Malaysian words used in the story are explained in the glossary at the end of the book.

 

It is told in the style of traditional hantu stories (ghost stories) told to children by grandparents. They are designed to both entertain and keep the children safe from the dangers of the swamps and jungles.

 

This delightful story is illustrated perfectly with large vivid pictures. They clearly depict the home and surroundings. The animal pictures are so much fun even if not directly part of the story. Don’t miss checking the expressions on their faces.

 

I hope this book will be part of a series introducing children to many cultures

 

At the back there is a glossary of Malayan words used in the story. I think these should be at the front for people like me who just jump in and start reading.

 

Overall, it is a great story with wonderful illustrations and many openings for discussion with children.

 

My thanks to NetGalley. Judith Vun Price, Jacqui Vun [Illustrator], and Logorythm/Crotchet Quaver for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My rating 5*

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Lily Harford's Last Request is a beautifully written story dealing with the controversial question of assisted dying.

Lily is in her 80s. She has been a successful businesswoman and single mother. She was once full of vitality and loving life. She had a beautiful home surrounded by memories. As her dementia progresses, we see snippets of her past life as a young and vibrant young woman.

Now her body is racked with arthritis and her memory and faculties are diminishing.

Reluctantly, her daughter Pauline feels it is time for Lily to move to assisted care at Blue Vista.

As her dementia gets worse Lily wants to die on her own terms before

She asks Donna to help her end her life before dementia gets worse and she no longer recognises her loved ones or at least partly care for herself. Donna feels for Lily and understands the reasons for the request but explains, apart from it being illegal, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Lily then makes the same request from Pauline who also explains she couldn’t help.

We know from the beginning of the book someone does assist Lily but who was it?

Throughout the story, Lily reflects on her past life, her short time with a loving husband and gives us insight into the younger and very capable Lily.

There are four other key characters in the story – Pauline (Lily’s daughter), Sam (Pauline’s husband), Donna (one of Lily’s carers), and Frank who also lives at Blue Vista.

Pauline adores and admires her mother but while she thinks she is doing the right thing for her mother; feels she is abandoning her. Pauline has a responsible job as headmistress. Add this to being a wife, mother and grandmother she is feeling the stress and pressure.

Sam loves his wife, is a supportive husband, and adores his mother-in-law. He is a wonderful character and does everything he can for Lily.

Donna is one of the caregivers at Blue Vista who has a close bond with Lily. She loves her job and is a very caring person but because of her broken marriage and childhood experiences lacks confidence in her personal life. Her character is well developed and likable.

Frank is a resident of Blue Vista who is also fond of Lily. He doesn’t feature a great deal in the book but plays a key part in the twist at the end.

Joanna Buckley has written her story with great sensitivity from the viewpoints of Lily Pauline and Donna. All the characters seem real and easy to relate to.

At 72 I can relate to all three women – Lily with my advancing years and wondering what the future holds; Pauline as a daughter having to deal with my mother’s dementia as well as a mother and grandmother; and Donna’s lack of confidence in my working life. All characters are real, believable, and likable.

Lily Harford's Last Request is Joanna Buckley’s first book and I look forward to reading her future stories. It is a book I would not hesitate to recommend.

It would make an excellent one for reading groups and has suggestions for discussion points at the end of the book.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. 

My rating 5*

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