Book: Siberia
Author: Ann Halam
Published On: January 1st, 2005
When Sloe was tiny, her Papa disappeared and she and her mama went to live in a prison camp in the snowy north, in a time and place when there are no more wild animals. Mama’s crime: teaching science, and her dedication to the hope that the lost animal species can be reborn. To Sloe, Mama’s secret work is magic, as enchanting as Mama’s tales of a bright city across the ice where they will be free.
Years later, Sloe is sent to a prison school, and Mama disappears. At 13, Sloe escapes, pursued by a mysterious man. With only hope to keep her going, Sloe sets out on a solitary 1000-mile journey. But she is not truly alone for Mama left Sloe a gift: the seeds of five missing species and the knowledge to bring them to life.
There’s always that one book on your mum’s bookshelf that’s been there since the beginning of time. After a long time, crossing the shelf and glancing at the book every time, you decide to finally pick it up. To say that Siberia was an amazing book would be too much of an understatement. The progression from innocent little Rosita to hardcore runaway Sloe is an extraordinary journey and one that is worth reading about. Despite being so young, she is wise beyond her years and her perseverence is inspiring.
Though there are many unanswered questions in the book, the enigmatic setting of the book made it an enjoyable dystopian read.
Well-written, underrated, and a must-read for everyone, regardless of whether you like dystopian fiction or not.