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A review by tonyfrobisher
The Extraordinary Colours of Auden Dare by Zillah Bethell
5.0
Hope is the thing with colours
A beautifully written book, a story that is both a fable of friendship, loyalty and trust and a portent of a world that is plunged into conflict, an apocalyptic world devoid of the most essential requirement, water.
Set in a future where a bus ticket costs £8,000, it is a dystopian, yet hopeful children's tale that is thought-provoking and satisfying. 11 year old Auden Dare, hopes to discover the secrets his recently deceased scientist uncle left in a 'rainbow machine'. A machine he hopes will help him see colours - living with achromatic vision, only seeing in black and white. Aided by his friend Vivi and a humanoid poetry quoting robot called Paragon, the three attempt to discover the truth of Paragon's real purpose. At the same time the Orwellian 'WAB' Water Allocation Board (think Thought Police for water rationing and supply) try to find and use Paragon for their own manipulative reasons.
As with Zillah Bethell's A Whisper of Horses, there is much to uncover and enjoy in a book with many layers and twists. The innocence and bravery of children in a chaotic, harsh world created by the power lust of adults gives a clear and powerful message. We as custodians of the planet need to protect and conserve it to pass on to future generations.
But we should never underestimate the tenacity and determination of children to not accept injustice and to fight to change things for the better.
An excellent book and highly recommended for all. Children and adults alike.
A beautifully written book, a story that is both a fable of friendship, loyalty and trust and a portent of a world that is plunged into conflict, an apocalyptic world devoid of the most essential requirement, water.
Set in a future where a bus ticket costs £8,000, it is a dystopian, yet hopeful children's tale that is thought-provoking and satisfying. 11 year old Auden Dare, hopes to discover the secrets his recently deceased scientist uncle left in a 'rainbow machine'. A machine he hopes will help him see colours - living with achromatic vision, only seeing in black and white. Aided by his friend Vivi and a humanoid poetry quoting robot called Paragon, the three attempt to discover the truth of Paragon's real purpose. At the same time the Orwellian 'WAB' Water Allocation Board (think Thought Police for water rationing and supply) try to find and use Paragon for their own manipulative reasons.
As with Zillah Bethell's A Whisper of Horses, there is much to uncover and enjoy in a book with many layers and twists. The innocence and bravery of children in a chaotic, harsh world created by the power lust of adults gives a clear and powerful message. We as custodians of the planet need to protect and conserve it to pass on to future generations.
But we should never underestimate the tenacity and determination of children to not accept injustice and to fight to change things for the better.
An excellent book and highly recommended for all. Children and adults alike.