Part coming-of-age story, part wilderness survival epic. I found The Rising of the Son to be an exciting read that took me by surprise and made me think.
The prologue hints at something life-threatening having taken place. The tension was built, I was intrigued and so I read on. Told from multiple perspectives, Jonno and his dad, James, attempt to climb Mount Casharaqu without a guide. It doesn’t go quite to plan and they are put in a situation where they are struggling for survival and in need of rescue.
The Rising of the Son looks at themes of identity, grief, loss, acceptance, love, masculinity, tourism and growing up. Putting it all in a list that seems like a lot, but the use of different perspectives, from Jonno and James in Peru to Macie and Mum back home, taxi drivers and villagers help this book deliver on a number of different levels in a way that seems authentic. I like Jonno, I was endeared by his confusion and struggle to work out where he was in life and what it means to grow up and be a man. Throughout it seemed that everyone was looking for, or missing something. It would be a good read for fans of literary fiction as well as those interested in survival stories as it looked past the tension of a hiking expedition gone wrong to comment on the human condition.
I was intrigued by the “outside” perspectives of the airport worker, the taxi driver in Lemur, and the villagers. I think that the author effectively raises a valid point about the real impact of tourism and tourists, even in countries that rely on this industry. The author, Giles Dawnay has extensive experience working in the expedition travel industry and his knowledge from living and working alongside local people create a second side to this book that stops you in your tracks and makes you think deeply about how you travel. All this while also enjoying the story of the expedition. As an occasional and admittedly fairly ignorant tourist myself, I know these narratives will ensure that this multifaceted book will stay with me for many years to come.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Sports |
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The cover gives the impression that this book is a climbing adventure. And it is that, but also so much more.
The cover gives the impression that this book is a climbing adventure. And it is that, but also so much more.
The book tells the tale of a father and son on a trip of a lifetime to climb a mountain in Peru. Both the scenery and culture in Peru are described incredibly well, which really helps bring both elements to life. And yes there's a dramatic incident on the climb, the tension leading up to the incident and the aftermath is built well and keeps you turning the pages to find out what happens.
But more than that this book really explores the complicated relationship between father and son and just how much of an impact this relationship has on both of their lives.... Read Full Review
High altitude adventure and strained parental bonds make for a thrilling tale
Dawnay sets his debut novel in Huaraz, the Switzerland of Peru, a world renowned centre for trekking and climbing. With disparate levels of excitement and trepidation, father and teenage son, James and Jonno, embark on a challenging journey to conquer one of the Andes' most difficult peaks. In the process the pair hope to bridge the chasm that has slowly developed between them. Under prepared and tetchy the pair at first struggle with the physical and emotional demands of the trip. The tale barrels along building tension as their fatigue and frustration grow. Along their path a range of local characters add new perspectives and help to build a colourful picture of Peru’s rich culture. For Jonno, the trip is a coming of age experience. For James, it provides a much needed opportunity to reflect and reset his priorities.... Read Full Review
