Thursday, 28 April 2016

The Dala Horse by Lissa Johnston (Children's, 9 years +, 10/10E, short 'n' sweet review)

 July 2015, Amazon, 152 pages, Ebook, Review copy
 
Content: tissues needed

Book Summary
10-year-old Kaya Olson lives in a small Norwegian immigrant settlement in post-Civil War Texas. When her mother is killed in a stage coach robbery, Kaya feels responsible. Can she uncover the secrets her family is keeping to solve the mystery surrounding her mother's death?

Nayu's thoughts 
This is very much a pioneer tale about a girl from Norway whose parents had settled in America - think Little House on the Prairie type tale. This story is absolutely fascinating. I adore handicrafts which I feel are artisan crafts, anyhing made using your hand is pretty incredible when you think about how the items first start off, for example knitting comes from a simple strand of yarn. This includes Dala horses which start off as a chunk of wood and turns in something filled with memories and love. 

The dala horse has a lot to do with the truth of Kaya's mother's icident. It's not a happy go lucky tale, but is filled wih heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes. Make sure you have tissues ready, because the plot twists are unexpected and hardhitting. Made me want to have a dala horse of my own! 

Find out more on Lissa's website

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