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Piers Torday’s debut novel is a grim tale set in a future where humankind’s behaviour has brought devastation to the natural world.
But The Last Wild is also a celebration of nature, and it carries a message of hope.
What it’s about
Kester Jaynes has had a tough time. First his mum died, then he was carted off to the grim Spectrum Hall Academy for Challenging Children.
Things are pretty bleak in the outside world, too. All the animals have gone, killed by a vicious disease – or so everyone’s been told.
Kester hasn’t been able to utter a word ever since his mum died. But then a flock of pigeons arrive in his bedroom, and they’re mysteriously able to communicate with him. The animals need his help.
What I liked best about The Last Wild
- It’s like a fable with a gritty, realistic edge. Kester’s journey to the city of Premium, accompanied by an ever-growing host of wild animals, has echoes of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. But there’s a real gritty edge to this tale, with death, disease and human selfishness featuring prominently.
- The heroes are likeable and believable. Kester himself, as well as his animal and human companions, display an inspiring heroism in what seems like a hopeless situation. The heroes in this book sometimes have to fight, but more often it’s loyalty, willpower and cooperation that really matter.
- It’s a celebration of nature. There are some lovely details, like the pigeons picking seeds off the stag’s fur to feed themselves. Only someone who knows the natural world could paint pictures like this. It made me want to go outside and watch the world in action.
Who would like The Last Wild
Older children who don’t mind a bit of death and destruction (with a touch of optimism) in their reading should love this. My 11-year-old certainly did, and promptly wolfed down the rest of the trilogy.
In summary
The Last Wild is a gripping read for older children – a dystopian story about humankind’s destruction of the natural world. It’s a pretty grim depiction of a future that could actually happen, but with a central theme of hope. Who knows – the young people who read this might just go on to save the world.
Next step
You can buy The Last Wild on Amazon.