Talon, Come Fly With
Me
Written by Australian
writer, Gisela Sedlmayer, Talon, Come Fly
With Me, is a story of courage and determination that will reach the hearts
and minds of its readers.
The story takes
place in, what is for many of us, an exotic location. It follows the challenges
that face Matica, a young girl who lives with her Australian missionary parents
in a remote area of the Peruvian Andes.
As for all
children, Matica’s childhood should be that wonderful time of friendship,
adventure and learning. But Matica is no ordinary little girl … Matica is different.
She lives with a cruel physical disability. Although she is like any bright,
inquisitive nine-year old, physically she is locked in the body of a two year
old. The villagers of the remote Andean village accept her “normal” brother, but
they view this strange little girl with suspicion and reject her from their
community.
Although encouraged
by her loving parents, who understand the difficulties she faces, without friends
to enrich her life Matica spends much of her time alone exploring the Andean plateau
around the village. It is here a friendship ensues. A magical bond with two condors
grows from Matica’s awareness of their plight, her sense of justice, and their
resulting mutual needs. This bonding gives Matica the opportunity to discover
the strength of her own mind and body, and enables her to reach the hearts of
the village community through her dedication to the majestic birds. As the story
unfolds, we also learn about the life and nature of condors. We learn why the
villagers view the birds with suspicion, and reasons for their endangered
status. And we are given the opportunity to understand and respect both Matika
and her friends, the condors.
Gisela Sedlmayer’s writing clearly
demonstrates her understanding of the need for acceptance and connection. She
is an inspiring and insightful story-teller. This story will inspire anyone who
loves animals, and stories about compassion and friendship, and most importantly,
the human ability to overcome obstacles to make a difference to themselves and
our world. I loved this story and look forward to following Matica’s adventures
in Gisela Sedlmayer’s Talon trilogy.
Review by Kay Bushnell
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