Behind the Wind

Behind the Wind follows twelve-year-old Skip, who moves with her family to a remote Australian farm. The change brings her into contact with mysterious beings from Aboriginal mythology who inhabit the wild landscape around their new home. Skip's attempts to understand and interact with these supernatural forces put her on a path between two worlds - the familiar reality of her family life and a hidden realm of ancient spirits. Her encounters force her to navigate cultural boundaries while grappling with forces beyond her understanding. The narrative traces Skip's physical and spiritual journey through the Australian bush as she seeks to reconcile her place in both worlds. Her experiences with the mythological beings test her courage and challenge her perceptions of what is real. This coming-of-age story explores themes of cultural heritage, belonging, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. The novel draws on Aboriginal folklore to examine how traditional knowledge and modern life intersect in the Australian landscape.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Patricia Wrightson's overall work: Readers praise Wrightson's respectful integration of Aboriginal mythology into her fantasy stories, with many noting how she captures Australia's natural landscapes. Multiple reviews highlight her lyrical writing style and ability to create atmosphere. Readers specifically enjoyed: - Complex characters that feel realistic and flawed - Detailed descriptions that bring settings to life - Stories that introduce Aboriginal folklore to young readers Common criticisms: - Pacing can be slow, especially in earlier chapters - Some cultural elements feel dated by modern standards - Writing style too sophisticated for the intended age range Average ratings: Goodreads: The Nargun and the Stars - 3.9/5 (300+ ratings) An Older Kind of Magic - 3.7/5 (100+ ratings) Amazon: Most titles receive 4+ stars but have limited reviews Reader quote: "Her books transported me to a mystical version of Australia that felt completely real and made me see my own backyard differently." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌿 Patricia Wrightson drew heavily from Aboriginal Australian mythology, being one of the first non-Indigenous authors to incorporate these elements into children's literature. 🏆 "Behind the Wind" won the 1982 Children's Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Award for Older Readers. 🌏 The book explores the intersection between modern Australian life and ancient Aboriginal spirit beings, particularly focusing on the mystical creatures known as the Nargun. 📚 Wrightson wrote this book as part of her "Wirrun Trilogy," with "Behind the Wind" serving as the second installment, following "The Ice Is Coming." 🎨 The author spent much of her life in rural New South Wales, Australia, and this regional setting heavily influenced the landscapes and atmosphere depicted in "Behind the Wind."