“Put simply, this book is beautiful.”

Where the River Runs Gold by Sita Brahmachari

Brahmachari invites you into a fictional futuristic world that resonates with elements of our real life present. Shifa and brother Themba are just eleven years old and living in a city after the climate catastrophe which has rid the world of all its bees. As such, children are trained to collect and distribute pollen themselves and are put to work on a Freedom Fields farm. Themba and Shifa’s time is coming up and there are more than a few anxieties and secrets surrounding their departure. After saying goodbye to their Papa and aunt, the siblings begin to discover the truth about the Freedom Family. Thankfully, even when the world is set against you there are always a few people who offer a helping hand.

Although Brahmachari mindfully approaches a number of difficult subjects, Where the River Runs Gold leaves you feeling hopeful, not only about Shifa and Themba’s plight but about the future of the world around us. Many young readers will have the opportunity to find characters that they see themselves reflected in thanks to Brahmachari’s inclusiveness and adults will enjoy a chance to return to the days when books were dripping with beauty and opportunities for imagination. Put simply, this book is beautiful.

About Sita Brahmachari

Sita Brahmachari won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize with her debut Artichoke Hearts. Her latest book When Secrets Set Sail is due to be released in paperback on 20th August.

You can find Brahmachari’s books here: Sita Brahmachari