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Jason Wordie recently interviewed
Katherine McCaughan and published this article in the June 21, 2009
Sunday edition of the South China Morning Post. Please click on the
picture to view the article.
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Readers' comments:
"When I think of young adult books that survive time, transfer across
generations, carve such a deep place in a reader's mind as to somehow
reshape who they are, I think of books such as Anne Frank's, Diary of a
Young Girl Diary, Lois Lowry's, The Giver, Gary Paulsen's, Hatchet,
Betty Smith's, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Mildred Taylor's, Roll of
Thunder, Hear My Cry. These are all seamless books that present such
very real, three dimensional people and vivid descriptions of place,
that a reader is transported into another's world, not just while
reading the story, but long after. I believe that Natasha Lands Down
Under belongs in the company of these timeless treasures.
The author, Katherine McCaughan, accomplishes what few writers are
able to do, as she unfolds this fascinating tale of a young Russian
girl raised in Shanghais who, along with her family, emigrates to
Australia during the 1950's; and comes of age as she learns about love,
loss, disappointments and the power of emotional courage. McCaughan's
tempo is unfailing--the book moves along at precisely the right pace,
giving a reader enough detail and historic background to educate, but
not so much as to burden or overwhelm the story itself. She has created
such rich, dimensional characters that readers immediately hone in on
the truth not just of the story, but of each character created within
the story. Every character in this book rings true, whether it is the
popular, shallow peer, the difficult Russian aunt who sponsors the
family, the lively next door neighbors, Natasha's loving but stressed
parents or Natasha herself, there is not a flat, stereotypic,
characterization among them.
This story has so many layers and is capable of being discussed on
so many levels that it is a perfect choice for a middle school
classroom. It is equally a good choice for a sixteen year old girl or
for a mother to read to her youngest children. The language is rich and
detailed; the dialogue real, and Natasha's spunky observation of those
around her is variously poignant, funny, insightful and sometimes,
stuck in the way any and every tween's perception of life gets stuck
before they grow.
I had a great deal to accomplish today and none of it will happen.
I started reading early this morning, intending only to read a chapter
before crawling out of bed and meeting the day, but it is now noon and
I am in the same position as when I began--still in pajamas, teeth not
yet brushed, appointments canceled. I don't regret making this choice
(although I will say, I probably should have at least brushed my
teeth), because this book is impossible to put down. It's not just that
one wants to find out how the story ends; one cancels their agenda to
stay within the story because McCaughan exhibits the rare gift as a
writer of being able to do exactly this: transport the reader inside
the story. To leave would feel unfair,maybe even rude--as if one is
being cheated out of precious time with family---kind of how a person
might feel if they had to leave a family reunion in the middle of a
favorite relative's story and before dessert was served. It's not that
you can't go back to it--it's just that you don't want to go back--you
simply want to stay right where you are without interruption.
McCaughan sits among very good company. There are many wonderful YA
books out there and there are many excellent writers; but there are not
many--books or writers--capable of bumping someone off my top ten list
so that they can be added. I won't tell you who or which book, but I
will tell you that McCaughan and her book, Natasha Down Under, now
reside on my list of top-ten, all-time, most favorite, young adult
books. "
D. Sanders
"A Matter of Panache" - Colorado Springs, CO
"I
purchased your book at the book signing in Fernandina Beach and I
wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. The writing is excellent and
I was drawn into the story immediately. Your characters are so well
developed and realistic that I felt that they could be neighbors.
Natasha's character is so true to life that I either wanted to spank
her or hug her. Her family's struggles are tragic and heartbreaking
but their courage and perseverance are an example to all of us...We had
guests from out of town but I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed it
so much I was disappointed to reach the end. Thank you for your
wonderful book."
C.S. Korte
Head of School - Jacksonville, FL
"I
just finished reading it (in tears) last night. I love the book. The
writing flows at a more adult level than the focus age but is still
comprehensible by all. It involves the reader in many ways in the
challenges faced by Natasha and her family. This a great book... The
story is a confident teacher of understanding and compassion."
C. McMahon
Sculptor - Lake Forest, IL
"...You
(Katherine McCaughan) are a really good writer! I can see 10 to 14
year old girls wanting to read more about Natasha. She is a well
defined character with whom many of my students would identify."
M. Sasson
Teacher - Sydney, Australia
Would you like to post a comment? Contact the author at mccaughan.k@gmail.com
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