Dreams of peace and hope
The Age
Tuesday January 5, 2010
THE KITES ARE FLYING By Michael Morpurgo Illustrated by Laura Carlin Walker, $16.95 Elisabeth Tarica Reviewer AN UNEXPECTEDLY moving story about friendship and hope, The Kites Are Flying is told through the diaries of television reporter Max and a mute Palestinian shepherd boy, Said.Max has travelled to the troubled West Bank to investigate what life is like for Jews and Palestinians living in the shadow of the dividing wall.He wants to tell his story without pointing fingers and stumbles across Said making a kite under a gnarled, ancient olive tree. As Max is reluctantly welcomed into Said's extended family, he hears about the tragic events that have touched them, the reason why Said no longer speaks and why he finds solace in making kites.A stirring ending rounds off this sad but truly lovely story about universal dreams for hope and peace no matter what the language. Salaam. Shalom.
© 2010 The Age