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Chasing After the Wind
Chelsea hated the dark clouds of anger that hung over the house after yet another fight. Her grandmother always saw the worst in everything. April was the opposite- always optimistic and cheerful. Chelsea was caught between the two - caught between the past and the present, looking for answers about Charrie, and the mysterious,elusive Bibi.
- GenresYoung Adult
230 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1997
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 6, 2015
Twelve year old Chelsea hated school – apart from Art class which she loved. She hated reading; thought it a waste of time – books were boring. So when the school organised some of the students to have tutoring in reading, Chelsea wasn’t impressed. But her meeting of Mrs Davidson, though fought against in the beginning, turned out to be the start of something special for Chelsea.
Chelsea lived at home with her father Paul, sister Linnie and twin brothers Jay and Drew – plus of course her Nan who looked after them all. Chelsea wasn’t sure what was wrong with her Nan – she was always cross, always picking on Chelsea who found she could never do anything right. But as Chelsea found herself drawn to Mrs Davidson (who insisted she call her April) she found herself comparing her life; wondering about the past – and learning; really learning…
I absolutely loved Chasing After The Wind by Aussie author Dale Harcombe. It is a truly delightful and captivating novel about a young girl learning about herself; about compassion and caring; and above all, about love. A true coming of age story which is heartfelt and creative and which I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to my GR friend who both recommended this book to me, and gifted me a copy as well:)
Chelsea lived at home with her father Paul, sister Linnie and twin brothers Jay and Drew – plus of course her Nan who looked after them all. Chelsea wasn’t sure what was wrong with her Nan – she was always cross, always picking on Chelsea who found she could never do anything right. But as Chelsea found herself drawn to Mrs Davidson (who insisted she call her April) she found herself comparing her life; wondering about the past – and learning; really learning…
I absolutely loved Chasing After The Wind by Aussie author Dale Harcombe. It is a truly delightful and captivating novel about a young girl learning about herself; about compassion and caring; and above all, about love. A true coming of age story which is heartfelt and creative and which I have no hesitation in recommending highly.
With thanks to my GR friend who both recommended this book to me, and gifted me a copy as well:)
November 7, 2015
Chasing After The Wind is the first novel by Australian author, Dale Harcombe. Chelsea Seymour, noted for her lacklustre performance in year seven (except at her passion, art), lives with her dad, Paul, her younger sister, Linnie and her twin little brothers, Jay and Drew. And there’s Nan, always critical, often cranky and ruling the house with a strong will, even dictating to Paul. Her mum left when Chelsea was three: she doesn’t remember a lot about her, and questions aren’t welcome in the house.
When Chelsea learns she is to have a reading coach, she is less than enthusiastic, especially as it’s Mrs Davidson, with whom she had a recent altercation. But they when begin on a novel set during the depression, Chelsea finds herself looking forward to their sessions, and disappointed at their conclusion. Extra sessions at Mrs Davidson’s home spark a different activity, one she feels bound to keep secret.
Harcombe’s debut is a heart-warming coming-of-age novel. Her main character is well developed: Chelsea starts off as a self-centred pre-teen, but matures in a realistic manner. The ending, too, is not a Hollywood version, but a believable sequence of events. Harcombe’s depiction of the engrossment an avid reader experiences with a good tale will certainly resonate with many. A very enjoyable read. 4.5★s.
When Chelsea learns she is to have a reading coach, she is less than enthusiastic, especially as it’s Mrs Davidson, with whom she had a recent altercation. But they when begin on a novel set during the depression, Chelsea finds herself looking forward to their sessions, and disappointed at their conclusion. Extra sessions at Mrs Davidson’s home spark a different activity, one she feels bound to keep secret.
Harcombe’s debut is a heart-warming coming-of-age novel. Her main character is well developed: Chelsea starts off as a self-centred pre-teen, but matures in a realistic manner. The ending, too, is not a Hollywood version, but a believable sequence of events. Harcombe’s depiction of the engrossment an avid reader experiences with a good tale will certainly resonate with many. A very enjoyable read. 4.5★s.
December 30, 2025
I've chosen to give this book the rating I would have when I first read it as a child 25 years ago.
Other people have covered the general thrust of the plot/themes so I won't rehash that. This review is about the feeling, not the plot or writing style.
I read this book just once when I was 10 (in 2000), in the school library, and it stayed with me even though I forgot the exact title and author. I thought about it randomly a few times since, but by the time Google had advanced enough to help me solve the mystery, the book was out of print and nowhere to be found.
I thought about it again a fortnight ago and by chance found it available at an online secondhand bookstore.
It was a delight to revisit this story in adulthood, knowing it had made such an impression on me as a child for reasons I didn't understand (or had forgotten). It traverses quite serious themes thoughtfully and realistically, without being condescending.
Of course, it hit a little different this time around as memories of the plot unlocked before they could unfold on the pages and as a 35yo woman, this book wasn't written for my age group. All the same, I can see how it managed to lodge itself in the deep recesses of my mind for all these years.
I'll be gifting my copy of this book to my nieces once they are a little older, in the hope it has a similar impact on them as it did on me.
Other people have covered the general thrust of the plot/themes so I won't rehash that. This review is about the feeling, not the plot or writing style.
I read this book just once when I was 10 (in 2000), in the school library, and it stayed with me even though I forgot the exact title and author. I thought about it randomly a few times since, but by the time Google had advanced enough to help me solve the mystery, the book was out of print and nowhere to be found.
I thought about it again a fortnight ago and by chance found it available at an online secondhand bookstore.
It was a delight to revisit this story in adulthood, knowing it had made such an impression on me as a child for reasons I didn't understand (or had forgotten). It traverses quite serious themes thoughtfully and realistically, without being condescending.
Of course, it hit a little different this time around as memories of the plot unlocked before they could unfold on the pages and as a 35yo woman, this book wasn't written for my age group. All the same, I can see how it managed to lodge itself in the deep recesses of my mind for all these years.
I'll be gifting my copy of this book to my nieces once they are a little older, in the hope it has a similar impact on them as it did on me.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews