Diversity CBR17 Pie Chart Challenge
April is Poetry Month. Therefore in March I decided to find a few books of poetry or novels that were prose poetry. And one of them was Wings to Soar by Tina Athaide. Currently available, I read it via an online reader copy. I do not think I will purchase copies for myself, but I think anyone who is interested in refugees, women authors or places we do not normally read about, this is the book for you.
Aimed at the at least aged 10 and up crowd, this is a powerful story of a young girl, her family and their journey from Uganda to England. Being of Indian descent, they have been forced from their homes. They find themselves in England, in hopes of getting to Canada. However, along the way, many roadblocks are in their way. After being made to leave the camp, they find themselves in an area of England that is openly protesting the immigrants and “No More Asians.”. In fact, to the point of violence. As time goes along, our characters find themselves on an emotional journey. The use of words to set the stage, as well as Diana Ross songs, our Viva (a name that fits her) learns the meaning of Home.
While there are a few bumps in the flow of things, this is a timely story. Even though it is set in 1972 and 1973 in England, the events could be happening here. Some racial slurs and acts of violence could be triggers for sensitive readers, but over all it’s a good read done in prose poetry.