Unfortunately for humanity this isn’t an extraordinary story. And even though I had no idea when and where this story takes place, there was no doubt in my mind about its authenticity. What’s clear is that a young boy and his grandfather are under threat from an unnamed enemy. They’re fleeing to safety under cover of darkness, seeking refuge in an abandoned house while the grandfather plans his next move. Securing passage for them on a boat out of this war-torn country is his ultimate goal and he’ll do whatever it takes. Unfortunately, who to trust is an issue in a country rife with profiteering. But all the boy wants is to find his mother.

The characters and setting in this novel are completely believable. The power of the prose is its simplicity: the emotions are palpable – the characters’ fears and anxieties are prevalent and transferred to the reader. Close to the Wind is an incredibly moving story about the power of love, trust and betrayal and, ultimately, what matters when everything familiar has been taken from you. Highly recommended for readers aged 10 and over.

Athina Clarke