The Wind in the Wall is a fairytale-like story set in England, more than two hundred years ago.
It's a story that is dark and mysterious, and might just leave you with a bit of a shiver.
At its beginning, a rich Duke's whims demand that his gardener grow pineapples so he can show off.
'Tis unfortunate that England's climate is not particularly suitable for growing such plants, and the gardener has no experience in doing so.
The gardener does his best, researching and experimenting.
However, when what he produces is not of the expected quality, he is cast aside to mind the flower garden, in favour of an apparent specialist, Mr Amicus.
Mr Amicus is both stranger and strange. His behaviour raises the gardener's suspicions. And the gardener's actions in uncovering one of the stranger's secrets, raise Mr Amicus' ire.
The result is a confrontation, and a choice that will have devastating ramifications.
The Wind in the Wall is a picture book written by award-winning author, Sally Gardner for older readers, with a plot and themes suited to teenagers.
The narrator, the gardener, is never named, and this along with the story's historical and fantasy elements, add to the mystery.
Like the text, the illustrations by Rovina Cai are dark and mysterious. Faces are mostly hidden, or turned away, and there are flowing lines and textures which all help create an atmosphere of secrets.
The Wind in the Wall is an unusual book that will leave you wondering 'what if'?
Title: The Wind in the Wall
Author: Sally Gardner
Illustrator: Rovina Cai
Publisher: Hot Key Books, $ 29.99
Publication Date: November 2019
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781471404986
For ages: 15+
Type: Picture book for older readers
