Today, I invite you to immerse yourself in the China of the 80s, and more particularly in Mongolia with Kushi: The sacred lake published by Editions Fei!
Original title: Kushi: The Sacred Lake
Scriptwriter: Patrick Marty
Draughtsman: Zhao Golo
VF Publisher: Fei Editions
Nb volumes VF : 2
Status: In progress
Public price : 9.5€
Synopsis :
"In the early 80s in China, in a small remote village in Inner Mongolia, Kushi lives in harmony with the steppe and its beautiful generous expanses, but with a fragile balance. Kushi is an orphan. Mysteriously appearing in the village when she was just a baby, she is considered the black sheep of her community. Too turbulent, this gifted woman taken in and raised by an old shaman, annoys and stirs up the mistrust of the villagers who call her a little witch. When she discovers the actions of Bold, a local bandit ready to do any crime to enrich himself at the expense of the fragile balance of the steppe and those who have lived there for millennia, a merciless struggle begins between the girl, this lawless crook and the proponents of a certain idea of progress. »
A story for children!
First of all, it is important to note that this book is intended for children from 7 to 10 years old. So do not expect a story full of twists or actions that can complicate the reading of these young children. However, this does not mean that reading is reserved for the latter, on the contrary! We follow Kushi, a young orphan girl fighting to respect rights in the steppe and ancestral traditions of her village. She confronts an adult, Bold, a bandit who has only one desire, to enrich himself, even if for that, he must flout the culture of the village. She will confront him, then go into exile in order to escape him! We will then discover Kushi's adventures in a new world that she does not know! The story is interesting and very accessible for children and remains enjoyable for an adult even if it remains childish. It's cute, easy to read, I recommend it if you want to introduce it to your children (or for yourself)!
In terms of characters, we mainly follow Kushi. We meet other villagers such as his grandmother, Bold, Tilik, the village chief, the teacher, or the veterinarian. Little is known about them but it is not necessary. Knowing more about their past would not bring anything more to history since for now, everything will play out in the future. It's Kushi and Bold's actions that will have an impact, and not knowing their past wouldn't be destabilizing at all.
A steppe full of colors!
Regarding the graphics, we have the pleasure to discover a book entirely in color. This must be partly due to the fact that children need to appreciate a book more easily in color than in black and white. This color allows us to admire the landscapes drawn by Zhao Golo and it makes our reading much more enjoyable! Regarding the characters, they are very easily recognizable and we can distinguish with pleasure the different features of their faces. There are no real action scenes but we can imagine quite well the passages, especially the passage where Kushi gallops on horseback for example.
Kushi – The Sacred Lake is an interesting book for children! Something to delight the "little ones" who will be able to discover the adventures of Kushi, a child like no other and can imagine living full of adventures in Mongolia, a distant country, full of mysteries and thrilling adventures!
