Allen& Unwin: Fiction
June2001 $21.95
298ppbk
ISBN:1-86508-467-0
Adventure
Yossis an extravagant and haunting novel by Odo Hirish. From a village high up inthe mountains a young man sets out to encounter the world. On the plains belowhim waits a town full of cruelty, thieves and trickery. Many are overwhelmed bythis young man of innocence and are drawn towards him, but all who seek toposses him will pay a price.
"Townsswallow men up, Yoss. They're hungry. People disappear into them and are neverheard of again" was the warning that young Yoss got when he left hisvillage, and he soon discovers that towns are not what they actually seem to be.This is a well-written book that is full of adventure, mystery, and bravery. Ithas everything that a good book requires and is something that we can all learnfrom.
OdoHirish is a wonderful writer. His masterful story telling creates an engrossingtale that takes the reader deep into the world of his imagination. The story hasalways got something happening and is hard to put down. Hirsch uses lots ofadjectives and has a sense of what we will understand because everything hewrites is so simple and clear but still creates the whole picture. This is aneye-catching book that will be enjoyed by all. Surely you must read it andexperience this wonderful story in your own hearts.
Tharsiga,Year 7, Canberra, ACT
Ina village high in the mountains lives a boy called Yoss. On the summer of his 14thbirthday, he must leave the village. All the boys must do this when they are 14as a symbol of becoming a man. Yoss friend Herman also has to go. On thesecond day Herman turns back, but Yoss goes on to discover a town full ofschemes and deceptions.
Downon the plain below, just outside town, Yoss becomes involved in a robberywithout even knowing it. Thats the way they operate, Conrad and Gasper,always getting others to do their dirty work. Conrad with the silver tongue whocan make anybody believe anything and Gasper with the fastest fingers around(comes in handy when playing poker.) Yoss is swept away by these two men and ledinto a life of crime. On his adventures, Yoss is a thief, beggar and a slave,but most of all he is an innocent young boy who knows nothing about the world.
Yoss has a very original storyline,nothing like I have ever read before. The characters are intriguing and seem tohave a mind if their own. I would recommend this book for people aged 15 and up.It takes a while to get started, but once you do, you cant put it down. Beprepared to get swept away into a world of trickery and lies.
Melissa, aged 15, Melbourne, Victoria