Jilda’s Ark

Jilda’s Ark by Verity Croker (Harmony Ink Press) PB RRP $14.99
ISBN 9781640806016

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Jilda is a fifteen-year-old girl who is on a South Pacific cruise with her mother and twin sister, Rosa. The much-anticipated tropical island holiday is a gift, to Jilda and Rosa, from their separated parents to celebrate their upcoming sixteenth birthday. What should be the trip of a lifetime turns to chaos when Jilda, recovering from a stomach bug, stays onboard the ship while her mother and sister are out exploring one of the Fijian islands. Waking up from a nap, Jilda soon learns that the ship has been hijacked.

This first-person narrative tells of Jilda’s life-changing experiences on the hijacked ship and follows the friendships she forms with some of her fellow captives. It is also a tale of self-discovery as Jilda explores her sexuality and awakens her compassion for others and the environment.

Jilda’s Ark is a young adult novel suitable for mature readers over 15 years old. It includes themes of family, friendships, teenage relationships, same-sex relationships, death, compassion, refugees, global warming and environmental issues. For more information about Verity Croker and her books, visit www.veritycroker.wordpress.com