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Sita Brahmachari je autorkou smutnokrásnych kníh Artičokové srdcia, Jazmínové nebo a Už zase lietam, ktoré si získali srdcia detských i dospelých slovenských čitateľov. Vo svojej štvrtej knihe rozpráva príbeh troch mladých ľudí, ktorí utečú z domu. Stretnú sa náhodou, no zmení ich to navždy. Ako to už býva, keď vznikne priateľstvo na život a na smrť.
Trinásťročná Aisha utiekla z vojnou zmietaného Somálska a prvý raz v živote je šťastná a spokojná. Keď jej však opatrovníčka oznámi, že pre ňu našli novú rodinu, kam sa má čoskoro presťahovať, Aisha to berie ako zradu. Zbalí sa a útočisko hľadá v neďalekom lese. Dvanásťročný Zak sa snaží vyrovnať s rozvodom rodičov. Kým ich honosný príbytok rekonštruujú, žije sám a opustený v rozbúranom dome. V troskách objaví dokumenty s podpisom pôvodného staviteľa a začne pátrať po jeho histórii. Natrafí tak na mladého vojaka z dávnej minulosti a pátranie po ňom ho zavedie do opusteného protileteckého krytu v lese. Tam natrafí na Aishu a šestnásťročnú Ionu, ktorá nemá strechu nad hlavou, lebo ušla pred krutým otčimom. Kým sú noviny plné fotografií stratených detí a nad hlavami im krúžia policajné helikoptéry, čo po nich pátrajú, deti spoznávajú samy seba a prídu na to, že túžia po jedinom: po mieste, ktoré by mohli nazývať domovom, kde by žili s ľuďmi, ktorých majú na celom svete najradšej.
Trinásťročná Aisha utiekla z vojnou zmietaného Somálska a prvý raz v živote je šťastná a spokojná. Keď jej však opatrovníčka oznámi, že pre ňu našli novú rodinu, kam sa má čoskoro presťahovať, Aisha to berie ako zradu. Zbalí sa a útočisko hľadá v neďalekom lese. Dvanásťročný Zak sa snaží vyrovnať s rozvodom rodičov. Kým ich honosný príbytok rekonštruujú, žije sám a opustený v rozbúranom dome. V troskách objaví dokumenty s podpisom pôvodného staviteľa a začne pátrať po jeho histórii. Natrafí tak na mladého vojaka z dávnej minulosti a pátranie po ňom ho zavedie do opusteného protileteckého krytu v lese. Tam natrafí na Aishu a šestnásťročnú Ionu, ktorá nemá strechu nad hlavou, lebo ušla pred krutým otčimom. Kým sú noviny plné fotografií stratených detí a nad hlavami im krúžia policajné helikoptéry, čo po nich pátrajú, deti spoznávajú samy seba a prídu na to, že túžia po jedinom: po mieste, ktoré by mohli nazývať domovom, kde by žili s ľuďmi, ktorých majú na celom svete najradšej.
310 pages, Hardcover
First published September 25, 2014
16 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Sita Brahmachari
33 books97 followersSita was born in Derby in 1966, to an Indian doctor from Kolkata and an English nurse from the Lake District. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Arts Education. Her many projects and writing commissions have been produced in theatres, universities, schools and community groups throughout Britain and America. ARTICHOKE HEARTS is her first novel for young people. Sita lives and works in North London with her husband, three children and a temperamental cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 25, 2017
just wow
September 23, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Aisha is thirteen, she left Somali during the war and hasn't seen her father since. Now in the UK she has the chance to have a brand new life, but when her foster mother has found her a Somali family willing to adopt her, her world comes crashing down. Zak's mother is a war zone journalist, his father is divorcing his mother and has moved to America. He lives in worry that one day his mother may not make it out of the war zones she reports. Iona's world came crashing down years ago, her sole companion is Red, her dog. These three children's lives are inexplicably linked to Home Wood and the slightly batty old lady who lives there. But then again, things aren't always as they seem....
It's not often that once you have finished reading a book you need to sit down and simply say "Wow." This is precisely what I did when I finished reading Red Leaves. It's not often that a book can redefine your way of thinking and provoke thought about the things we take for granted: family, community, culture, home and the people in the world around us. This is a really poignant book, one which carries a very important message.
The characters in this book are brilliant and I found myself both drawn to and sympathising with them all. Elder, Iona and Aisha were all certainly pulling at my heartstrings, Zak too at points! Elder was a fascinating character, choosing to live in the woods with her doll, Crystal. Her story was heart-wrenching to say the least.
One thing which sets this book out from the rest is the sense of community and integration. It had a brilliant allegorical nature and I think that each reader will draw their own meanings from this. Because of this I won't say what I gained from the book, I will let you derive your own, for after all that is what's special about this book and about community. We are all separate individuals, from different countries, races, ethnic origins and languages but when we stand together, we can support one another and stand strong.
Something I must say is that though this is a children's book, it is definitely one for upper KS2/KS3 and can quite similarly be enjoyed by adults. One of the best books I have had the pleasure of being given to review from NetGalley. This is certainly a book that should be on your to-read list.
Aisha is thirteen, she left Somali during the war and hasn't seen her father since. Now in the UK she has the chance to have a brand new life, but when her foster mother has found her a Somali family willing to adopt her, her world comes crashing down. Zak's mother is a war zone journalist, his father is divorcing his mother and has moved to America. He lives in worry that one day his mother may not make it out of the war zones she reports. Iona's world came crashing down years ago, her sole companion is Red, her dog. These three children's lives are inexplicably linked to Home Wood and the slightly batty old lady who lives there. But then again, things aren't always as they seem....
It's not often that once you have finished reading a book you need to sit down and simply say "Wow." This is precisely what I did when I finished reading Red Leaves. It's not often that a book can redefine your way of thinking and provoke thought about the things we take for granted: family, community, culture, home and the people in the world around us. This is a really poignant book, one which carries a very important message.
The characters in this book are brilliant and I found myself both drawn to and sympathising with them all. Elder, Iona and Aisha were all certainly pulling at my heartstrings, Zak too at points! Elder was a fascinating character, choosing to live in the woods with her doll, Crystal. Her story was heart-wrenching to say the least.
One thing which sets this book out from the rest is the sense of community and integration. It had a brilliant allegorical nature and I think that each reader will draw their own meanings from this. Because of this I won't say what I gained from the book, I will let you derive your own, for after all that is what's special about this book and about community. We are all separate individuals, from different countries, races, ethnic origins and languages but when we stand together, we can support one another and stand strong.
Something I must say is that though this is a children's book, it is definitely one for upper KS2/KS3 and can quite similarly be enjoyed by adults. One of the best books I have had the pleasure of being given to review from NetGalley. This is certainly a book that should be on your to-read list.
April 9, 2025
I came across this author in an online discussion via the British council Library, where she was discussing about the books she wrote and the thought process about it. That interested me.
This is a YA book and I heard it on Libby.
The book is about 3 youngsters, facing certain situations in life.
Aisha, a Somali refugee living in foster care, misses her father. She turns to her faith and remembers her community back home.
Zak, is in between thoughts about his parents divorce.
Iona, a girl living on the streets, an artist with a dog called Red.
Around their area, lives an old woman called Elder who comes by to shop and talk. She's a bit eccentric and prefers to live on her own in the forest.
Little did they know how their lives would be interwined one day in the forest.
It's a story about finding oneself amongst others.
Do pick up if you like reading YA.
This is a YA book and I heard it on Libby.
The book is about 3 youngsters, facing certain situations in life.
Aisha, a Somali refugee living in foster care, misses her father. She turns to her faith and remembers her community back home.
Zak, is in between thoughts about his parents divorce.
Iona, a girl living on the streets, an artist with a dog called Red.
Around their area, lives an old woman called Elder who comes by to shop and talk. She's a bit eccentric and prefers to live on her own in the forest.
Little did they know how their lives would be interwined one day in the forest.
It's a story about finding oneself amongst others.
Do pick up if you like reading YA.
August 27, 2018
5/5 Stars
I love this book. It was immensely touching and...beautiful.
It spoke about three children, Aisha, Zak, and Iona, who are struggling with their difficulties in their lives and wound up together by the woods, past war, and an old lady.
Aisha is a Muslim refugee from Somalia. She was taken care of in a foster home by a carer Liliana and felt safe in her new life with the carer until news that she would be adopted crushed all the happiness within her.
Zak lives in a house that's been renovated while coping with the separation of his parents and the 'unheard' of his brother while being taken care of by a Sri Lanka carer.
Iona's family has fallen apart. She had escaped from it and lived on the streets with her dog Red. Escaping from herself as well.
The book has spoken about something that everyone should be reminded of. It talks about that in this planet of ours, people have been living, and still are, within wars, crimes and had to leave their homes to move into another unknown place with people of different culture and religion. It spoke about why we don't think about the people on the streets and ask how did they end up like what they ended up now. It spoke about how we don't think about the past and history of places, buildings, and streets. What happened in the past before we were welcomed into this world.
The book was full of life and reality of the life we're living.
I like how the characters all laughed, cried and just be human around each other despite their differences. It was such a moving part for me that it almost made me cry.
The author was brilliant with the concept of how these three children bumped into each other, slowly trusting one another and become friends. I love the idea, it was unrealistic but realistic at the same time.
The very thing that made me love this book, other than the topic of human rights, was the reminding of how we should be grateful for what we have and where we are. Some are desperate to have what we have, so we should pause think about the things that kept us going in our lives.
This was a great read for me and I highly recommend it.
I love this book. It was immensely touching and...beautiful.
It spoke about three children, Aisha, Zak, and Iona, who are struggling with their difficulties in their lives and wound up together by the woods, past war, and an old lady.
Aisha is a Muslim refugee from Somalia. She was taken care of in a foster home by a carer Liliana and felt safe in her new life with the carer until news that she would be adopted crushed all the happiness within her.
Zak lives in a house that's been renovated while coping with the separation of his parents and the 'unheard' of his brother while being taken care of by a Sri Lanka carer.
Iona's family has fallen apart. She had escaped from it and lived on the streets with her dog Red. Escaping from herself as well.
The book has spoken about something that everyone should be reminded of. It talks about that in this planet of ours, people have been living, and still are, within wars, crimes and had to leave their homes to move into another unknown place with people of different culture and religion. It spoke about why we don't think about the people on the streets and ask how did they end up like what they ended up now. It spoke about how we don't think about the past and history of places, buildings, and streets. What happened in the past before we were welcomed into this world.
The book was full of life and reality of the life we're living.
I like how the characters all laughed, cried and just be human around each other despite their differences. It was such a moving part for me that it almost made me cry.
The author was brilliant with the concept of how these three children bumped into each other, slowly trusting one another and become friends. I love the idea, it was unrealistic but realistic at the same time.
The very thing that made me love this book, other than the topic of human rights, was the reminding of how we should be grateful for what we have and where we are. Some are desperate to have what we have, so we should pause think about the things that kept us going in our lives.
This was a great read for me and I highly recommend it.
October 12, 2014
This is such a moving book, absolutely outstanding! It concerns three unrelated teens who are all experiencing some trauma in their lives and, separately, have run away. One is a Somali girl who has been living with the same foster Mum and loves being there only now a family want to meet her with a view to adopting her . . . . Another is a slightly older girl, a talented artist, who has run from her home in the Scottish Isles, naming herself after her home island . . . .The third is a boy, the son of a famous war correspondent and a leading History professor who are about to get divorced when his Mum disappears whilst on assignment and his Dad is an ocean away . . . Finding out about people and events from the past has a dramatic impact on the lives of these three.
Other people in the community all have their roles to play in the story – from the local shop keepers, teachers, historical families and another homeless lady, Elder, with a tragic past…and don’t forget Red, the dog, who also has an important role to play in their lives! The relationships between these teenagers and other members of their community are portrayed in an empathetic manner, helping the reader understand the multi-facetted, interwoven relationships and how these develop. It is a book where you may well need tissues at the ready!
I really can’t praise this book highly enough, definitely a must read for young adults and adults alike! Thank you so much to the author, publishers and NetGalley for letting me experience this superb book.
I really do hope you want to read this book after reading my review . . . well worth it!
Other people in the community all have their roles to play in the story – from the local shop keepers, teachers, historical families and another homeless lady, Elder, with a tragic past…and don’t forget Red, the dog, who also has an important role to play in their lives! The relationships between these teenagers and other members of their community are portrayed in an empathetic manner, helping the reader understand the multi-facetted, interwoven relationships and how these develop. It is a book where you may well need tissues at the ready!
I really can’t praise this book highly enough, definitely a must read for young adults and adults alike! Thank you so much to the author, publishers and NetGalley for letting me experience this superb book.
I really do hope you want to read this book after reading my review . . . well worth it!
July 15, 2021
It was rather disappointing. The plot dwindled and felt like half the book was the first few chapters. The three characters were uninteresting and lacked anything that the reader could connect with. The meandering story line showcased unreasonable decisions and made some very strange links, it also tended to get snagged on a minor details and create some strange backstory that somehow linked to the character. It had some mediocre descriptions but never really painted a vivid picture. It would work well for a primary school English topic. It does manage to represent minorities and include everyone - the diversity represented is incredible. It would be good for someone one learning to read or someone who finds reading difficult, as it has short chapters and no challenging words. It is an average book and is worth the read (just), but if you are into gems of books this isn't for you. Age to read should probably be around 10-12, any later than twelve it will become childish and boring. Well done Sita, you have managed to give many people a voice and recognition which previously may have been brushed over - but it is not comparable to the greats.
September 20, 2015
I'm really thankful for books like Red Leaves. They promote the acceptance and understanding of different cultures. They show that as humans we have the same needs and we are driven by the same emotions. All three children in this book came from different backgrounds and cultures, and all of them just needed a place they could call home, a place with the people they loved most.
I think it's a perfect book for anyone over the age of 10! I'd recommend this for early teens the most because I feel they would relate or maybe even understand the characters better.
I think it's a perfect book for anyone over the age of 10! I'd recommend this for early teens the most because I feel they would relate or maybe even understand the characters better.
February 20, 2015
Absolutely loved this book. It did take a while for me to get into it but when the characters joined together I couldn't stop.
April 13, 2015
A strong sense of family and community with links to the past. Endorsed by Amnesty International. Should be widely read.
September 18, 2018
Loved this! I was in a book slump,Iv read a lot of psychological thrillers lately and I wasn’t in the mood for romance but something different and this was it!
Aisha is living with her foster mum after leaving her home country and father behind due to conflict and when a family want to adopt her she doesn’t want to leave her foster mum so runs away,Zak’s parents are divorcing,his dad is in another country and his mum is away working,when his mum goes missing he can’t take anymore and also runs away. They both end up in the woods which have been shut for conservation purposes and in them lives a mythical homeless lady who watches over them. Iona has also run away from an abusive step dad and also ends up in the woods. All of them become connected and help each other find peace. Magic,mystery,emotion,history,this story had it all and told at the most atmospheric time of year.
Aisha is living with her foster mum after leaving her home country and father behind due to conflict and when a family want to adopt her she doesn’t want to leave her foster mum so runs away,Zak’s parents are divorcing,his dad is in another country and his mum is away working,when his mum goes missing he can’t take anymore and also runs away. They both end up in the woods which have been shut for conservation purposes and in them lives a mythical homeless lady who watches over them. Iona has also run away from an abusive step dad and also ends up in the woods. All of them become connected and help each other find peace. Magic,mystery,emotion,history,this story had it all and told at the most atmospheric time of year.
July 8, 2022
An inspiring book for children on themes of war, family, community, different cultures, sense of belonging, losing something important and then finding it back again. It would be helpful when teenage readers are struggling with similar problems as those of Aisha, Zak or Iona during the process of growing up.
But sorry that this is not a book for me. For adults it's somewhat childish. I didn't find the plot appealing, nor could I figure out the clear clue of each character. The writing focuses on the three teenagers' feelings and thoughts. There're many repeated descriptions, but there's not much skill. Maybe I should read those written for adults.
But sorry that this is not a book for me. For adults it's somewhat childish. I didn't find the plot appealing, nor could I figure out the clear clue of each character. The writing focuses on the three teenagers' feelings and thoughts. There're many repeated descriptions, but there's not much skill. Maybe I should read those written for adults.
October 1, 2021
Aisha is devastated when her foster mother tells her that there is another family found for her and that she will be moving on...
Zak is struggling to cope with his parent's divorce. He goes to school he hasn't made any friends yet.. He has a very nice teacher...
Iona's family fell apart long ago, shattering her dreams and forcing her to live on the streets where she sells news papers with her dog, Red. And she faces a tragedy of loosing her dog, Red but Elder finds him...
Elder is lonely woman who lives in the woods and helps theys kids.
Zak is struggling to cope with his parent's divorce. He goes to school he hasn't made any friends yet.. He has a very nice teacher...
Iona's family fell apart long ago, shattering her dreams and forcing her to live on the streets where she sells news papers with her dog, Red. And she faces a tragedy of loosing her dog, Red but Elder finds him...
Elder is lonely woman who lives in the woods and helps theys kids.
May 15, 2020
Thought-provoking book looking at lots of issues from coming-of-age, the permanence of memory, immigration, adoption, homelessness and many others. Time overlaps in a forest, reminding me a little of The Longest Night of Charlie Noon and three children end up falling together in the strangest of circumstances.
Sita Brahmachari is an amazing storyteller and I guarantee that you will be enraptured!
Sita Brahmachari is an amazing storyteller and I guarantee that you will be enraptured!
August 17, 2020
Home can be something we take for granted, until we lose it. Home is not just where you live but where your hearts are. The parallel stories of the different lost souls were beautifully done. Love the kindness of all the different characters which make me hope that’s the kind of communities we have in real life - where people of different cultures, ethnicities, religions help each other and find common threads instead of their differences.
May 2, 2019
This book took me less than 2 days to read,its a simple read and tells a great story.
This book is for all ages and tells the stories of 3 people who come together from different backgrounds.It shows how everyone should treat each other no matter what religion,colour or circumstances they find themselves in.
A great read.
This book is for all ages and tells the stories of 3 people who come together from different backgrounds.It shows how everyone should treat each other no matter what religion,colour or circumstances they find themselves in.
A great read.
May 4, 2017
4.5 Stars
Good Read. Pretty cool characters and use of themes in this book , I also very diverse. i would recommend this as a autumn read.
Good Read. Pretty cool characters and use of themes in this book , I also very diverse. i would recommend this as a autumn read.
January 8, 2018
Absolutely beautiful.
July 29, 2018
Leaves you in peace and not of loving!!
December 26, 2018
Yes, I did enjoy this, but felt some of the plot threads weren’t as clear as they could have been, specifically Zac & the war family. Maybe I need to re-read it!
July 12, 2022
Love the over arching message that home and belonging connect us all and if we are patient and listen to each other we can begin to understand all.
Read
August 23, 2022Nothing against it, just couldn't get into it.
March 26, 2025
Loved the book
April 2, 2015
This book was such an amazing read. It sucked me in from the very first few pages. One thing I absolutely loved about it was the diversity. It was set in UK but there were characters from everywhere, somalia, sri lanka. It's very refreshing to see that kind of diversity in a book. Also, one of the major themes I could sense from the book was belonging. These bunch of kids just wanting to find their place, and I think all of us no matter our age can still connect to that kind of feeling. The author did an amazing job of intertwining the lives of many people and connecting the three main characters to one other. These are the kind of the connections that will make you gasp and go omg. All of it was heightened with a the sense of mystery that surrounded the kids. A sort magical element to it which was perfect. :) It was a great read.
September 22, 2014
A gently provocative story that examines the complicated relationships between self, family, culture and the wider world.
The story…
Red Leaves follows the stories of Aisha, a 13 year old Somali refugee in foster care; Zak, whose mother continues to work overseas as a war correspondent as his parents divorce; and Iona, a tough homeless girl who fends for herself on the streets with only a pet dog for company. Their paths intersect in a small corner of North London and it isn’t long before these disparate characters, with apparently little in common, find their lives interwoven in ways they never expected.
[Read more:http://dorristheloris.wordpress.com/2...]
The story…
Red Leaves follows the stories of Aisha, a 13 year old Somali refugee in foster care; Zak, whose mother continues to work overseas as a war correspondent as his parents divorce; and Iona, a tough homeless girl who fends for herself on the streets with only a pet dog for company. Their paths intersect in a small corner of North London and it isn’t long before these disparate characters, with apparently little in common, find their lives interwoven in ways they never expected.
[Read more:http://dorristheloris.wordpress.com/2...]
October 6, 2014
This is a really well book by Sita Brahmachari. I love the fact that three young peoples lives become entwined together where they all share their feelings about their lives. This book teaches you that if something wrong is about to happen in your life, then it might mean something better will happen afterwards. It also teaches you that a bad situation could be the start to a more better and happier situation
Amirah
Amirah
January 3, 2025
This book left me without words . I loved it . I think it was one of the best books I've ever read. Amazing . It is full of diversity and the true meaning of having someone who cares for you. 5 stars for sure.
June 25, 2015
I don't know what drew me to this book. It was interesting but was hard to keep my attention.
August 30, 2015
Powerful and emotional read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews