THE WILD

There are many wild places in this world. Among the most formidable, a vast toxic dustbowl that was once an ocean
- The Aral Sea, way out in Kazakhstan.

Here, sixteen-year-old Alexi and his kid brother Misha watch rockets go up from a distant cosomodrome. Their livelihood depends on the precious metal boosters that fall back to earth. But rival wrecking crews are a constant threat, as are Misha's seizures, and Alexi is determined to seek care for his brother before time runs out.

Taking flight under fire, Alexi crosses borders with Misha to Moscow, hoping for medical help. The Russian capital may be 'just another kind of wild' to the boys, but this is a very different landscape to their homeland ... Alexi will do anything for his brother, but can he save him in this urban hell?

"Poignant, unsentimental writing combines with original and breathtaking subject matter ... a powerful and original new voice." Publishing News




UK paperback      July 2005    £5.99    (Hodder)