Asylum
Set in an about-to-be-demolished high-rise block of flats, various characters have arrived from a variety of situations; their lives and their stories, interweave, change and affect each other, and travel towards deeply moving, often funny, happy and painful outcomes.
At the core of the story are two asylum seekers: All fifteen-year-old Sunday wanted was a country that was democratic and respectful of human life. All eight-year-old Rosa wanted was somewhere safe, away from the bad things of the past. Through their eyes, ideas of Britain> and belonging are explored.
Moving, thoughtful, outstanding and unforgettable.
At the core of the story are two asylum seekers: All fifteen-year-old Sunday wanted was a country that was democratic and respectful of human life. All eight-year-old Rosa wanted was somewhere safe, away from the bad things of the past. Through their eyes, ideas of Britain> and belonging are explored.
Moving, thoughtful, outstanding and unforgettable.
Reviews
'Powerfully written and thought provoking, this is a powerful read.'
'a thought-provoking account of the slippery world teenagers are growing up in.'
A sensitive and thought-provoking exploration of the human stories and desperation behind our immigration figures.
... writes with observation and subtle humour but with no trace of sentimentality.
If you read horror books, this is the book for you!
'Rachel Anderson has a real gift for getting into the minds of her young charcters...teenage readers get a real sense of what it must be like to struggle for an identity'
... perceptive writing and quietly provocative approach to themes that are far removed from conventionally acceptable topics for young readers.
... shows enormous skill in imagining a child's perspective on events bewildering even to adults.
'... a richly textured novel with an unadorned prosaic style that belies its intense emotional impact.'
RED MOON: 'the novel provides sensitive and thought-provoking insights'
A lovely, sometimes painful story of two immigrants to the UK. By turns funny, sad and serious, this is a humane look at a controversial issue and will give great pause for thought.
Rachel Anderson pulls no punches.
'... a brave novel ... Anderson cleverly has portrayed one of the world's most current debated issues to children in a simple and comfortable way for them to understand ... Red Moon inspires us to acknowledge the suffering of others in cultures different from our own and encourages children to think beyond the boundaries.'
A sweet story about friendship.
Inventiveness and a sympathy for human difference.
Innovative and daring.
Moving, sensitve and thought-provoking...a powerful, compelling book. A book I feel should be in all secondary school libraries.