About the Book and Author
Set in an alternative India this book is about the journey of an orphaned character called Minou Moonshine, who is inconsolably shaken with the grief for the loss of her parents. But Minou loves her adopted, fearless grandmother and they live on a rickety, floating shack on the serene and picturesque Lally river in the city of Moonlally.
In their once peaceful queendom, a tyrant terrorist called the General has seized power violently, bending the rules to his will. He has angered the Dark Lady, the goddess of Moonlally, as he supposedly killed their queen. When Minou’s grandmother dies, Minou joins the green orchids. They are a bunch of surreptitious rebels planning to overthrow the obnoxious general. She finds herself trapped in the General’s castle but this is just the beginning. She finds herself embarking on a perilous and mind-blowing adventure of self-discovery and courage.
Gita Ralleigh is a medical doctor who studied for an MA in Creative Writing and has published short stories and two poetry books. The Destiny of Minou Moonshine is her debut children’s novel.
She lives in London with her two children, and teaches creative writing to undergraduates at Imperial College
Book Review
I have definitely, certainly and unimpeachably found my new favourite book
This book took me on a spectacular journey and I felt a frisson of excitement as I flew across tranquil, crystal waters of the iridescent oceans, stood nostalgically in the shade of the fragrant, ripe mango trees and rode triumphantly on the back of the behemoth, mystical, mechanical elephant.
My favourite character was Minou as she is courageous and brave. She does the most amazing things, from jumping out of a plane to performing a mindboggling, magic lantern show. She is always up to something and I love it. Jay was kind and helpful but always thought he was right which I found exasperating.
I would recommend this book to fans of adventure with a twist of fantasy and a hint of mystery.
I have definitely, certainly and unimpeachably found my new favourite book.
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Reviewer Profile
- Name: Radhika
- Age: 8 years
- Likes: Acting, guitar, maths, daydreaming and gymnastics
- Dislikes: eating, running and loud noises
- Favourite Book: Pages & Co by Anna James
- Favourite Song: I Don't Like You by Taylor Swift
- Favourite Film: Descendants
