When Kirra turned sixteen, the strange dreams began, the dreams that come true. Her counsellor calls them coincidences, but Kirra isn’t so sure … especially when her latest dream is about the world being destroyed. Soon.
Narn’s life should be simple. He’ll take over his father’s role as dolphin caller. He’ll be joined with Tarni. So he thinks until he finds a secret undersea cave, which his father tells him is N’gian’s cave, and that as a N’gian, he can’t join with anyone who has the N’gian symbol.
Tarni has the N’gian symbol, but her father ignores her gifts. Instead, he has arranged to have her joined with the son of the head of another tribe … even though she wants to join with Narn, and her intended is violent and cruel.
But women who show signs of having N’gian’s gifts are going missing.
When a stranger arrives from beyond the waves, Narn and Tarni have to work together to solve the mystery of where the women have gone.
The Upwelling is written in first person, from three points of view.
Kirra is the contemporary surfer girl who is sent back in time. Tarni is the girl she meets who has the gift of language, which means she can speak and understand modern English. Narn is the romance interest who has his own secrets.
The Upwelling reminded me of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera for the way it seamlessly blends the contemporary and the traditional, and The Navigator in the way Kirra travels through time to save the world from destruction. There was also elements of Romeo and Juliet in the relationship between Narn and Tarni.
I loved the insight into the culture and traditions of the Yugambeh and other Aboriginal people groups.
It shows how much we have to learn from the traditions of many of our native cultures, in particular around the sustainability and good stewardship of our natural resources – what the New Zealand Maori call kaitiakitanga.
I also enjoyed the look at a different time.
In our sophisticated modern world, it’s often tempting to look down on our more primitive ancestors. But while the Yugambeh people live a hand-to-mouth existence, there is much to admire in their society. They live as a true community, where all are welcome, where no one lacks for food or warmth, and there is plenty of time for telling stories and enjoying each other’s company. They also have a remarkable knowledge of health and healing, which us modern sophisticates have largely lost.
But The Upwelling also a compelling story – which is important, because Young Adult readers aren’t interested in a book simply because it has lots of Worthy Messages and Strong Themes. No. YA readers want strong characters and a great story, both of which The Upwelling has. They also want great writing, and The Upwelling has excellent writing,
The Upwelling isn’t overtly Christian fiction.
However, the themes date back to Genesis, when Adam is commanded to tend the Garden of Eden but was tempted by sin … and living turned into surviving.
So if you’re looking for a strong Young Adult novel that introduces Australian aboriginal life and culture while still delivering a strong story of good vs. evil, then you’ll want to read The Upwelling.
This sounds very interesting. I enjoy reading about other cultures. When we have travelled, especially in our Christian ministries, we have usually lived with the people among whom we are ministering. We really enjoy this because to live with the people helps us understand more of their culture. Incidentally, one of our granddaughters has a best friend with an aboriginal background and her name is Kirra! Thanks for this interesting insight.