Angel: A novel by Zoe Daniel
Through my eyes: Natural disaster zones series, Allen and
Unwin, 2018. ISBN 9781760113773
(Ages: 10-14) Recommended. Themes: Natural disasters. Typhoons.
Author Zoe Daniel has worked for many years as the ABC's South East
Asia correspondent reporting on the devastation of wars and the
aftermath of natural disasters. In Angel: A novel she has written
from her first-hand knowledge of the devastating effects of super
Typhoon Haiyan which struck Tacloban in the Philippines in 2013. She
realistically portrays the plight of Angel's family and friends, the
measures some people are forced into in their search for food and
water and the resilience of others willing to provide aid and
shelter.
Angel's thirteenth birthday is special, her mother and father give
her a special pearl necklace, a talisman that will help her through
the most difficult of circumstances. She lives along the sea wall in
a simple house with her fisherman father, mother and younger twin
brothers. Their livelihood depends on the seas and Angel enjoys
helping her father catch the fish. As the family listen to the
weather forecasts, they are unaware of just how dangerous the next
typhoon will be. The magnitude of water, the depth of destruction,
loss of homes, shops, separation of families is unbelievable. Angel
stays with her father whilst her mother and the boys travel to Samar
to help their elderly grandparents.
Angel struggles to survive as the typhoon hits; she clings to a pole
with their old neighbour Mrs Reyes and helps her find shelter with
her friend's family. The sights, smells, destruction and people's
fight to survive are eye-opening. The problems caused when aid, food
and water is delayed is unbelievable. Angel's determination to find
her family and seek medical aid for her ill neighbour shows her
toughness and inner strength.
The Through my eyes: Natural disaster zones series
showcases the courage of children faced with almost impossible
situations. Zoe Daniel's novel is suitable for confident readers who
enjoy realistic fiction. Angel: A novel is suited to Year 5
and 6 classes studying Geography and Environmental Science
researching the cause, effects and characteristics of extreme
weather conditions.
Rhyllis Bignell