Description
Isaac Swift knows Dark River is a dangerous place for those who are different . . . and Mimmy Rose is most certainly different.
Isaac also knows there are two sides to every story: crime, river, and sometimes, even the truth . . .
Ultimately, it is Isaac and his friends who must fight to find and shine the diamond light of truth in the darkest of places.
Review
Dark River can be a dangerous place to live. Life is hard, and people are very superstitious. They don’t like strangers or new people, especially people who are different. And Mimmy Rose and her mum are certainly different - coming from the islands to live in Tasmania.
Isaac Swift has lived his whole life in Dark River. He works with old Irish Pat four days a week and goes to school two days a week. His best friends are Pat, who looks after him and teaches him many things, and Jemma, who he goes to school with and who is the smartest person in the school, even smarter than the teacher.
When Isaac and Mimmy cross paths they become friends. Isaac knows that Mimmy and her mum are good people, even if they do look different. So when a sheep is stolen and suspicion falls on Mimmy's mum, Isaac knows that he has to help them - not least because he knows who really stole the sheep. Can Isaac and his friends stop the gossip before it’s too late? Does he have the courage to tell the truth?
This is a fascinating look at life in Tasmania in the early years where everything is done by hand, and gossip and lies are quickly believed and spread.
Isaac, Mimmy, Jemma and Irish Pat are wonderful characters all with many layers and very different personalities. The story is about family, friends, knowing the difference between right and wrong, and having the courage to stand up for your friends. This will be aneye-opener for many people who take the life we now for granted, where power comes on at the touch of a button and water with the turn of a tap. For Isaac, Mimmy and Jemma, nothing is easy and every day is a struggle to survive. Best suited to readers 12 years and up, especially those who enjoy historical fiction.
