A.E. Albert: A Writer's Blog

Book Review: A Thousand Rivers
by A.E. Albert

Author: Melissa Kuipers
Genre: Women's Fiction

Danni lives the typical Aussie lifestyle.  She's married, owns some real-estate and enjoys an annual jaunt to the nearby Island of Bali.  But when Danni meets Belle and Tim, her view on the world begins to change.  

She begins to re-examine her life and challenge her life's choices.  And when she meets Rama, even her marriage is in question.

The story's protagonist is an ordinary woman.  She is suddenly thrown off her life's path by a seemingly chance meeting.  I love this story's message.  Life can happen to anyone.  

In fact, it probably has but some of us never recognized the opportunities that have come our way.  Danni chose to embrace these events which lead to a more real and fulfilling life.

My favorite part of the story is the prologue.  The point of view if that of an orangutan. The rainforests of Borneo are being destroyed for the sake of industry.  This includes the habitats of the creatures who dwell inside.  

The author beautifully narrates a mother fleeing the destruction of her home while clutching the starving babe at her side.  

Empathy is probably a writer's greatest asset. The author uses this tool in abundance as the reader can't help but see the world through the eyes of this beautiful and majestic beast.

The history of Bali and Borneo were well researched.  As were the customs and cultures mentioned throughout the story.  

My only criticism is that these descriptions were at times too in depth.  However, the purpose was to inform the reader and also justify Danni's personal change; which the author accomplished.

A Thousand Rivers is a wonderful story about spiritual and emotional growth.  This book is for those who love historical elements, culture, romance and heaps of character development.

Melissa was born in Melbourne, Australia in 1969. She wrote and illustrated her first book as a ten year old and has been writing ever since, compiling an eclectic collection of musings, short stories, essays and novels that have collected dust and remained largely unread. She regards writing as an intensely personal process and describes her first novel, A Thousand Rivers as a two year labour of love followed by another year of working up the courage to publish it.

Find A Thousand Islands at:
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About A.E. Albert