Synopsis: No-one can tell you what's true, you have to find out for yourself. Jake;s dad saw the wolf, before Jake was born. They say wolves don't live in this country, yet in the night Jake hears it howling, long and lonely. When Jake and Lucy hike to Sheldon Mountain in search of the wolf, Jake is out to prove his dad right or wrong; Lucy is escaping her father's cruelty. Both are tested - physically, emotionally, spiritually - but what they find on that dangerous mountain surprises them both. Lonesome Howl is taut and tender; a gripping blend of physical adventure, family drama, love story and journey of self-discovery. Steven Herrick's new YA novel follows the success of By the River  and and his other popular and award-winning books.

Review: Beautifully written in an unusual style, Steven Herrick tells the story through the eyes of Jake, Lucy and Lucy’s brother Peter. Instead of standard chapters, the tale unfolds verse by verse, describing events that lead up to Jake and Lucy’s expedition out to Sheldon Mountain. Little asides and specific descriptions of baking bread, finding eggs, killing snakes all add to the carefully and poignantly painted picture of their two families and the dynamics within the households. Jake and Lucy’s developing relationship is detailed just as delicately, with the narrative voices remaining refreshingly realistic. Their adventure turns out to be a catalyst in more ways than one as it is not only Jake and Lucy’s lives that are irrevocably altered as a consequence of their mission.

Tense and gripping, yet gentle and tender, a lovely and originally written book.

2008-04-06