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Gabbra's Song

by Janey M Volden

230 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-2258; ISBN 1-4251-0500-9; US$21.70, C$24.95, EUR17.82, £12.48

Despite danger, rivalry, and a fight for her life, outspoken Vancouver teenager Riley Forbes is determined to make a difference in the uncertain future of a small tribe in Africa.

"Janey Volden, in her first book, draws on personal experiences to capture the atmosphere of Kenya's harsh and often violent Northern Region. Moreover she is a skilled raconteur with a realistic story to tell. Let's hope that this will be the first of more novels to come."
Julia Lawrence, Travel News & Lifestyle, Nairobi, Kenya.

Set primarily in drought-ravaged northern Kenya, Gabrra's Song centres on Riley Forbes, a dynamic Canadian teenager and budding photojournalist. Riley has a vision: an urgent fundraising project in Canada in order to raise money for irrigation equipment for her friend's village in northern Kenya.

Readers will sweat as they follow Riley's gripping adventure with a nomadic tribe whose survival depends on Dumbuluk's fresh-water well.

Arriving in Kenya, Riley writes in her journal: "Vultures-watching and waiting for something to die-soared above a graveyard of sun bleached animal skulls and rib cages pecked clean by frenzied scavengers. I was miffed because Dad hadn't even said goodbye to me. Here I was stuck in this lonely African desert with Gabbra. I had nothing to eat but maggots, and a mixture of camel's milk and blood to survive on. Worst of all, Gabbra's brother, Nagya, was ignoring me."

Riley is swept into a bittersweet relationship with Nagya, the strong, roguish warrior. Does Nagya have feelings for Riley, but also for the beautiful, silent Borana girl, Ayasha? More importantly, is Riley fitting into ANY of Nagya's future plans?

Janey Volden's multicultural novel is astonishingly timely. Africa - currently reeling from a succession of failed rains-is experiencing the worst drought in 20 years. International aid organizations warn that a humanitarian catastrophe could hit the East African region unless urgent donations are received. Volden provides young readers a sensitive and dynamic story which brings these issues to light for our next generation.

Janey Volden grew up in Kenya, East Africa. Her love of travel, especially into the remote area of Northern Kenya, gave her the inspiration to write Gabbra's Song. Volden resides with her husband Bruce in Okanagan Falls, British Columbia, Canada. They have two sons, Oliver and Casey.

Awards won at Writer's Conference, Penticton, BC: 2004 Contest Finalist; 2003 Contest Winner (Young Adult and Children's Categories).

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