Book Broadcast: His Name Was Walter by Emily Rodda

Book Broadcast is a post I have created to help ease the load of the books I have for review. It is a great way to spread the word, providing recognition to an author or publisher for sending me a book to review. As my reviewing and blogging duties have stepped up a notch in the last year, I don’t often have the time to complete an in depth review. I hope you can discover some new titles to read through this regular book post.

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FROM AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE STORYTELLER COMES A STORY, WITHIN A STORY, THAT SHOWS US THE EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF TRUE LOVE AND SOLVES A DECADES-OLD MYSTERY. Once upon a time, in a dark city far away, there lived a boy called Walter, who had nothing but his name to call his own …

The handwritten book, with its strangely vivid illustrations, has been hidden in the old house for a long, long time. Tonight, four kids and their teacher will find it. Tonight, at last, the haunting story of Walter and the mysterious, tragic girl called Sparrow will be read – right to the very end …

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One of Australia’s most valued and versatile storytellers, Emily Rodda, returns with a new novel, suitable for readers aged 9 years and over. Adults may also appreciate this intricate turn with Rodda. His Name was Walter is a magical mystery tour, encompassing touches of yesteryear, folklore, fantasy, love and history. When four students and teacher on a history excursion are left in the lurch when their bus breaks down, they seek sanctuary in an abandoned old mansion. A miraculous discovery is made, in the drawer of an aging desk is a handwritten book, along with a collection of unusual paintings. What the group uncovers is a book titled ‘His Name Was Walter’. As the children uncover Walter’s perplexing story, the contemporary narrative takes a back seat. Revelations are made about this mysterious figure Walter. As the children’s imagination is held captive by Walter’s adventures, the reader and the group learn of Walter’s background, his upbringing, his love for another and his search for a witch’s lost daughter. Readers are given an active role alongside the school excursion children to solve Walter’s beguiling mystery. For those with wild imaginations, this book is the perfect antidote. His Name is Walter is an enjoyable book within a book,  this set piece has the power to bewitch young readers with its fantasy and mystery based elements.

His Name Was Walter by Emily Rodda was published on July 23rd 2018 by Harper Collins Books Australia. Details on how to purchase the book can be found here.

His Name Was Walter, is book #98 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge