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Song Beneath the Tides
Ally arrives from England with her brothers to stay for a month in Africa - weeks of running wild on an unspoiled, untamed coast amid mangrove creeks, vast white sandy beaches, coral reefs and warm seas. But on their first walk through the forest to the beach, Ally is swamped by a sense of an unseen presence close to her – of being spoken to. The feeling increases as a local teenager, Leli enthusiastically sweeps her into the world of his village and their offshore island (Kisiri - the place of secrets). It’s the beginning of a friendship that swiftly becomes an intense, overwhelming bond between them. Kisiri is a place of local legend, protected and village youngsters dare each other to go there. Village elders forbid it. Ally and Leli feel drawn to it, and land on its shores. At once Ally feels again that invisible presence, a whispered voice. But fear can change things, divide people. The bond between Ally and Leli feels unbreakable. But suddenly everything, everyone, conspires to drive a wedge between them. She is, after all, an outsider – a visitor, no more. Only weeks away, she will leave for England, simply walk away, never to return, how can she possibly share, or help?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2020
9 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 18, 2020
A finely woven tale of mystery and colonial history told through the eyes of a girl visiting family on the coast of Africa.
Something resonates with Ally from the moment she sets foot in Shanza, echoes from the past seem to hover just beyond her reach and - as she learns more of the history of the area, the people and captivating Kisiri Island she is magnetically drawn to her new friend, Leli who seems to feel the same connections to the ancient ones who walked the lands.
As much as looking to the past of colonialism in lands across Africa, this novel also looks at the modern cultural devastation of tourism, land grabs and poaching alongside the inevitable poverty issues that come as ripple effects from these big businesses moving into traditional village lands and societies.
This book goes a long way to help students in Europe understand the impact of their cultural history, without demonising them for it. It shows why societies across the world may view westerners with suspicion after centuries of callous and often violent mistreatment.
For me, one of the most important factors was the fact that there were well established societies across the continent of Africa before westerners colonised and trampled it underfoot. The reality that African nations had such advanced social set ups did not fit their racist doctrine, so the systematic destruction of sites of incredible cultural importance have been ruined, buried and lost almost entirely. Those that remain or are discovered are of huge importance. The Archaeologist character in this novel tells excellent stories linking these events with the forced land grabs that Shanza is threatened with in this novel.
Something about this book makes me reminiscent of great adventures like The Famous Five and Swallows and Amazons, the children have their secrets and uncover much in their investigations, working together and letting trusted adults in, they manage to make huge steps together for the community.
I was genuinely worried that there was going to be a forced romance plot line in here, but I was pleased that wasn't driven too hard.
The addition of documents/diary entries/thoughts of some of Kisiri's former inhabitants creates mystery, intrigue and depth to the whole book. I loved this element especially.
Something resonates with Ally from the moment she sets foot in Shanza, echoes from the past seem to hover just beyond her reach and - as she learns more of the history of the area, the people and captivating Kisiri Island she is magnetically drawn to her new friend, Leli who seems to feel the same connections to the ancient ones who walked the lands.
As much as looking to the past of colonialism in lands across Africa, this novel also looks at the modern cultural devastation of tourism, land grabs and poaching alongside the inevitable poverty issues that come as ripple effects from these big businesses moving into traditional village lands and societies.
This book goes a long way to help students in Europe understand the impact of their cultural history, without demonising them for it. It shows why societies across the world may view westerners with suspicion after centuries of callous and often violent mistreatment.
For me, one of the most important factors was the fact that there were well established societies across the continent of Africa before westerners colonised and trampled it underfoot. The reality that African nations had such advanced social set ups did not fit their racist doctrine, so the systematic destruction of sites of incredible cultural importance have been ruined, buried and lost almost entirely. Those that remain or are discovered are of huge importance. The Archaeologist character in this novel tells excellent stories linking these events with the forced land grabs that Shanza is threatened with in this novel.
Something about this book makes me reminiscent of great adventures like The Famous Five and Swallows and Amazons, the children have their secrets and uncover much in their investigations, working together and letting trusted adults in, they manage to make huge steps together for the community.
I was genuinely worried that there was going to be a forced romance plot line in here, but I was pleased that wasn't driven too hard.
The addition of documents/diary entries/thoughts of some of Kisiri's former inhabitants creates mystery, intrigue and depth to the whole book. I loved this element especially.
May 8, 2022
I loved this cover when I saw it in the library, and from the synopsis got a vague sense of two main characters with interweaving plot-lines, possibly across time. I've read at least one brilliant book with a set-up like that so I thought I'd give it a go. Ironically didn't love that part of this book. The plotline set in the past was confusing until near to the end. I skim-read those parts, which is a shame because now I know what they're about they might be fairly interesting.
I loved the magical realism elements, just a sprinkling of the supernatural. This book is inspired by real historical events, and present day happenings too. Song Beneath the Tides is entertaining, but more than that it has a strong moral backbone. Lasting impacts of colonialism, violence of poaching, disregard for local people when expanding infrastructure, big businesses swooping in to make money without regard for history, culture and community.
There's an overdramatic romance-leaning relationship which I did not love. I haven't been reading much YA lately and didn't miss that. Interesting what Carole said to Ally about being careful not to step over boundaries and to be aware of the differences between her and the people of Shanza. What does the title mean, who knows. I did find the ending to be satisfying.
I loved the magical realism elements, just a sprinkling of the supernatural. This book is inspired by real historical events, and present day happenings too. Song Beneath the Tides is entertaining, but more than that it has a strong moral backbone. Lasting impacts of colonialism, violence of poaching, disregard for local people when expanding infrastructure, big businesses swooping in to make money without regard for history, culture and community.
There's an overdramatic romance-leaning relationship which I did not love. I haven't been reading much YA lately and didn't miss that. Interesting what Carole said to Ally about being careful not to step over boundaries and to be aware of the differences between her and the people of Shanza. What does the title mean, who knows. I did find the ending to be satisfying.
February 3, 2022
I’m thinking more 2 1/2 stars. I had some high expectations for this book and they were just.. not met. The premise was so interesting, the cover art was so enticing, I was so excited. The plot really had a lot of promise, as did the characters but they just.. didn’t go anywhere. I tried really hard to love Leli’s and Ally’s relationship but there was literally no chemistry between them at all. I was happy for the double povs but even then it felt like Ally liked Leli a lot more than he liked her. It was just so.. dull? Again like I said the premise and storyline had so much potential (the reason why I’m giving it 2 1/2 stars) but really it just did not deliver. The ending was SO anti-climactic oh my god. I didn’t even notice it was the ending for a good 10 more pages. There was no final showdown? No real fight? It was just oh yay we found gold so we’re saved, leaving everything to be tied up in a damn letter home? I really wanted to enjoy this book but no.. to answer someone’s question, no I did not find out the song beneath the tides and am still thoroughly confused.
October 6, 2020
Song Beneath the Tides is a mysterious, beautiful and wonderful book. The sense of place in the book is really strong - you really feel Ally's enchantment with East Africa - the mangroves, the coral, the forests, beach and islands - and, of course, with the people she meets.
Ally and Leli's connection is both romantic and spiritual, but like many young relationships, it is also realistically frustrating and confusing for them.
I loved the fact the contemporary story was interrupted from time to time with a story from the centuries before, from the age of exploration. The urgent thoughts of a Portuguese youth under siege in a fort added a real sense of peril and dread, as well as layering into the bigger mystery of the book.
This is a book that stays with you after you finish reading. I have such a strong sense of having been in Shanza and Kisiri. I feel like I've visited the ruins of Gede myself. Highly recommended.
Ally and Leli's connection is both romantic and spiritual, but like many young relationships, it is also realistically frustrating and confusing for them.
I loved the fact the contemporary story was interrupted from time to time with a story from the centuries before, from the age of exploration. The urgent thoughts of a Portuguese youth under siege in a fort added a real sense of peril and dread, as well as layering into the bigger mystery of the book.
This is a book that stays with you after you finish reading. I have such a strong sense of having been in Shanza and Kisiri. I feel like I've visited the ruins of Gede myself. Highly recommended.
March 25, 2020
Really interesting and well written YA novel. Explores themes you don't usually find in a YA novel, including poaching, lasting legacy of colonialism and impact of tourism on local communities. All set in a fictional village on the coast of East Africa. Would recommend reading it!
January 24, 2022
I am not sure that I would have read this book if I had been aware that it was principally aimed at younger readers (which I interpret to be those of teenage years). However, it isn't until one reaches the notes at the end that we find that this was the author's target audience.
Set in eastern Africa, the story neatly links the experiences of a group of 3 young Londoners who are spending a month of their school holidays with an aunt and the experiences of the villagers in that part of Africa during conquest and siege by Portuguese explorers.
It is an interesting story- almost fantastical at times, but overall believable.
Set in eastern Africa, the story neatly links the experiences of a group of 3 young Londoners who are spending a month of their school holidays with an aunt and the experiences of the villagers in that part of Africa during conquest and siege by Portuguese explorers.
It is an interesting story- almost fantastical at times, but overall believable.
April 26, 2020
Song Beneath the Tides is a wonderfully told story that crosses history with modern political issues, and diverse cultures seen through different perspectives. Evocative landscapes are woven together with engaging characters to create a rich tapestry of mystery, suspense, and teenage romance. Raising environmental issues that really make the reader think, this is an essential book for secondary school libraries to spark discussions on themes such as community, ownership, cultural differences and values, and the power of beautifully descriptive writing.
November 3, 2021
Never finished this book, but honestly it wasn't that bad. The plot is quite interesting and the characters aren't flat or anything, but the writing style just really didn't do it for me. I admit I often stared at the pages of this book for longer than I'd actually read 😅 but yeah to some people this might be an incredible revolutionary life changing book, who knows ? It just wasn't for me
March 14, 2024
I didn't dislike this, I just felt no investment whatsoever in the characters or the story. I felt completely detached emotionally and had to force myself to pick it up. Maybe just a case of bad timing!
May 12, 2022
Did nothing for me.
July 24, 2023
A beautiful , lyrical novel about the importance of history and tradition, especially when it meets unbridled capitalism and the tourist industry.
Blurb:
Ally arrives from England with her brothers to stay for a month in eastern Africa - weeks of running wild on an unspoiled and untamed coast. But on her first walk through the forest, she is swamped by the sense of a presence, ripples of an unseen life brushing hers.
Then Leli, a local teenager, sweeps her into the world of his village. He swiftly becomes the centre of her life, but when the sacred island of Kisiri becomes threatened and tensions in the village rise, everyone conspires to divide them.
Secrets whisper a warning to them both: are Ally and Leli hearing haunting echoes of the past, or an immediate threat from the present?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - linking the past of the Portuguese settlers / invaders, with the current invasion of tourism and all that entails, including the building of hotels and infrastructure for the tourist industry, but not for the local community, and the rush to spoil local landscapes, traditions and holy ground in the bid to make money. I suppose you could interpret some of the action as that of the white saviour, but I think it was more to do with a community pulling together in the face of adversity, regardless of sex, creed, race, etc. Well written, with believable characters, and a tight-knit plot, this works well as a reading experience.
Many thanks to #ABoS A Box of Stories for including this in one of my boxes. It's been a fascinating read, and I think I'll keep it for the time being.
Blurb:
Ally arrives from England with her brothers to stay for a month in eastern Africa - weeks of running wild on an unspoiled and untamed coast. But on her first walk through the forest, she is swamped by the sense of a presence, ripples of an unseen life brushing hers.
Then Leli, a local teenager, sweeps her into the world of his village. He swiftly becomes the centre of her life, but when the sacred island of Kisiri becomes threatened and tensions in the village rise, everyone conspires to divide them.
Secrets whisper a warning to them both: are Ally and Leli hearing haunting echoes of the past, or an immediate threat from the present?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel - linking the past of the Portuguese settlers / invaders, with the current invasion of tourism and all that entails, including the building of hotels and infrastructure for the tourist industry, but not for the local community, and the rush to spoil local landscapes, traditions and holy ground in the bid to make money. I suppose you could interpret some of the action as that of the white saviour, but I think it was more to do with a community pulling together in the face of adversity, regardless of sex, creed, race, etc. Well written, with believable characters, and a tight-knit plot, this works well as a reading experience.
Many thanks to #ABoS A Box of Stories for including this in one of my boxes. It's been a fascinating read, and I think I'll keep it for the time being.
September 17, 2023
When echoes of the past haunt the present, Ally and her brother Jack, visiting an island called Kisiri along the Indian Ocean coast find themselves enthralled by the beauty of the place, people and language while getting caught in the turmoil of greed and fight for land preservation.
It's a time when invaders find the Kisiri as the perfect hunting spot and desire to build luxurious hotels but for the people of Kisiri, it is their home,their ancestors burial grounds and all they know in their history is an endless fight over invasion: first by the Portuguese, then the Arabs and the Muslims, and so far development like roads and hotels.
Ally, feels the island, hears the cries and voices of those desperate for freedom and she sounds crazy but as the story unravels they learn there is more to Kisiri than they ever knew, and the question becomes what don't they know? Against a race in time to prevent invasion from a private developer.
The first 57 pages are plain, and the pace is slow, but it picks up slowly and is an interesting read.
It's a time when invaders find the Kisiri as the perfect hunting spot and desire to build luxurious hotels but for the people of Kisiri, it is their home,their ancestors burial grounds and all they know in their history is an endless fight over invasion: first by the Portuguese, then the Arabs and the Muslims, and so far development like roads and hotels.
Ally, feels the island, hears the cries and voices of those desperate for freedom and she sounds crazy but as the story unravels they learn there is more to Kisiri than they ever knew, and the question becomes what don't they know? Against a race in time to prevent invasion from a private developer.
The first 57 pages are plain, and the pace is slow, but it picks up slowly and is an interesting read.
May 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I honestly wasn't sure I would. It is a bit of a slow starter but as the story builds and the different aspects weave through each other, and the historical context added in piece by piece and found myself getting to the point of not wanting to put it down. Ally, her brothers, her aunt, and every one of the villages are allowed to grow and develop as characters, layering up with each moment and event and Birch draws on her own upbringing to bring the east coast of Africa to life, including it's dark past when colonialism ruled. The melding of past and present, of the real and spirit worlds, and the continued drive and destruction of western materialism and consumerism is both superb and heartbreaking, and so relevant. This is a beautifully haunting story that brings forward a maelstrom of emotions in its characters and in its readers.
August 8, 2025
A sweet story with a stunning cover that's packed full of beautiful descriptions of scenery.
This would have a higher rating but I just couldn't get along with the writing style and found it took a while to get into to.
This would have a higher rating but I just couldn't get along with the writing style and found it took a while to get into to.
March 27, 2023
It describes amazing scenery but it has too many names that are hard to follow and the storyline is a bit basic
June 19, 2025
a bit slow to start and understanding some of the letters ref the Portugese but a lovely story 😊
January 22, 2022
This book was incredible. It was beautifully written and had an amazing storyline that had you matching a guessing from the very start.
The layout and the perspectives were my favourite part. I loved the second perspective and how it all came together at the end.
This also made me, personally, a lot more aware of everything that could be going on.
It also reminded me of one of my friends which brought me great joy.
Overall it was a very good book and I’m glad I got it as a gift because otherwise I wouldn’t have picked it up and that would be a loss to my world.
The layout and the perspectives were my favourite part. I loved the second perspective and how it all came together at the end.
This also made me, personally, a lot more aware of everything that could be going on.
It also reminded me of one of my friends which brought me great joy.
Overall it was a very good book and I’m glad I got it as a gift because otherwise I wouldn’t have picked it up and that would be a loss to my world.
January 5, 2023
Beautiful
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews