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?

Love story, ghost story, thriller: Kisiri is a sacred island just off the coast of Africa holding secrets from both present and past - perhaps teenagers Ally and Leli are the key to solving its mystery ...

About the Author

Beverley Birch spent her childhood roaming vast plains and deep forests near her home in East Africa, dreaming of becoming an intrepid explorer in fantastic, far-away places. Instead she became a writer, and explores people and places through her books. She travelled widely, and says, 'Wherever I go, I'm fascinated by the way people and events of the past seem to me to leave a gleam, or a shadow, or a resonating murmur of sound in a place. In a way, that's where all my stories begin.'

Her novels range over time-travel, mystery-thrillers, ghost stories, and adventures and are set in Italy, Scotland and East Africa. She also writes picture books, biographies, narrative non-fiction, retellings of folk tales and classic works, and collaborations with her husband, photographer Nick Birch. Critically acclaimed, and translated into more than a dozen languages, she has been nominated for the Carnegie medal, and shortlisted for awards here and abroad.

Reviews
A rich and gripping novel that explores the lasting impact of colonialism...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 *
A stunning and sophisticated combination of romance and mystery and is sure to be devoured by teenagers and adults alike.... a story that's rich with history, folklore and mysticism. As a reader you are swept away by the evocative language and the brutal descriptions of threats to an established and sacred way of life. * Reading Zone *
A complex and lyrical adventure that's part ghost story, part thriller, part love story. Compelling, atmospheric and beautifully written. * WRD About Books *
a thrilling adventure with important things to say, and it is superbly written. I strongly recommend it. * Just Imagine *
A magical layered story weaving past and present that stole my heart. * Jasbinder Bilan, Costa Award-winning children's author of Asha and the Spirit Bird *
So beautifully drawn, haunting and so heartbreaking ... yet so life affirming... * Sarah Mussi *
A tender love story that turns eerie, fierce and political, with a strong message about community and resistance. * Liz Flanagan *



Book Information
ISBN 9781913101077
Author Beverley Birch
Format Hardback
Page Count 320
Imprint Guppy Publishing Ltd
Publisher Guppy Publishing Ltd
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 135mm * 28mm