Watcher in the Forest
(Oxford University Press 1987)Watcher in the Forest by Joanna Orwin is, in my opinion, among the great New Zealand children's books, up there with X Marks The Spot by Joan de Hamel and The World Around the Corner by Maurice Gee. This story has a time slip element, which for me evokes The House in Norham Gardens by Penelope Lively, one of my favourite books. I really enjoyed the way the story, similarly to that book, deals with time as well as the connection between past and present.
At no point did I fear for the characters' safety, but this did not diminish the book for me. Rather, I appreciate that the author gave the story time to breathe, allowing for a quiet, calm yet spooky atmosphere. This sort of story would not be written in the modern day. Nowadays, I've noticed that popular children's novels tend to be very fast-paced, full of lots of action and adventure. Less often do I see children's books that take things more slowly and just allow us to experience their world; I look forward to reading more books like this in the future, and more of Orwin's books too.
I was first drawn to this book via its brilliant, bold cover, which on my edition is illustrated by Gavin Bishop. It made pick up the book, and I am very happy I did, because the book was wonderful.
Review by Isaac du Toit
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