Review: Evie and Rhino


Neridah McMullin’s latest middle grade fiction is more of a tender-hearted hug than simple story. It is also the perfect example of latching onto an actual historical event and unlocking the story within by utilising those two liberating words: What if?

When a steamship is wrecked off the coast of south-west Victoria in the late 1800s, a young parentless mute girl is the first on scene. Instead of waterlogged sailor survivors, she discovers an altogether different kind of flotsam on the beach of her rugged rural home; an Indian rhinoceros, aka, Rhinoceros unicornis. How delightful that this creature’s scientific name reflects the magical qualities of this human animal encounter and ensuing tale.

Rhino was part of the exotic cargo of animals bound for the Royal Melbourne Zoo as part of their questionable ‘acquisitions’ projects. Despite sluggish improvements on the captive animal front, the care of these horrendously displaced animals and birds was still woefully misconceived and administered. Thus lays the groundwork for this extraordinary tale.

Told in alternating viewpoints, both Evie’s and Rhino’s, young readers are able to glean the motivations and emotions of both species with heart-splitting precision and depth. Rhino is a creature of the Asian grasslands, spirited, fearless and assured but after years of ambiguous captivity and the tortuous, ultimately disastrous sea journey, he is depleted physically and mentally.

Evie maintains an almost hermit-like existence in a rambling ramshackle family country estate with her ornithologist Grandpa, kindly Cook, farmhand and colourful assortment of birds and ungulates. The same wild seas that orphaned her provide a strange sort of solace for Evie who has not uttered a word since their deaths, such is the depth of her grief. She spends her days roaming the rugged coastline and paddocks and has an uncanny understanding of creatures, especially those suffering similar tragedies and loss to hers. She and Rhino form an instant bond.

Isolated by floods caused by the vicious weather, Grandpa is initially unable to advise authorities of Rhino’s survival and temporary accommodation with them at Lunar House but once the telegram is sent, it triggers a desperate countdown to the day Evie must farewell Rhino and let him go.

Evie is mercilessly torn between due diligence and the desire to protect Rhino from further suffering. How can she voice what she is feeling when no one will listen? It seems the only one who truly comprehends the extent of her grief is Rhino. Her connection with him is beyond belief and its this incredulous reality that may just finally save the day.

Pulsing with goodness, adventure and untamed spirit as wild as the wind that whips Australia’s southern coastline, this unique tale incites more than just two incongruous relationships. It highlights how connections between creatures not too dissimilar to ourselves may form from the most extraordinary of circumstances if we are just quiet and observant enough to recognise and allow them. It’s a tale of growth through understanding, of finding your voice and inner strength when you thought they’d gone forever. Evie and Rhino sparks tears and laughter often at the same time thanks to McMullin’s poignant narrative and Astred Hicks’ deft line illustrations which support readers’ imaginative input with just the right degree of comedy and cuteness.

Evie and Rhino is a glorious tale expertly conceived and delivered with gigantic appeal for animal lovers, thrill-seeking adventurers and those prone to embracing unusual friendships. Highly recommended

Title: Evie and Rhino
Author: Neridah McMullin
Illustrator: Astred Hicks
Publisher: Walker Books Australia, $18.99
Publication Date: 5 October 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760654207
For ages: 10 – 14
Type: Middle Grade Fiction

Buy the Book: Boomerang Books, Walker Books Australia

 

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