Tiger Stone
Age 11+
General Fiction
When you’re sworn to silence it pays to keep your eyes and ears open.
Tiger eyes, tiger spirit, tiger stone. Only a daughter could unlock the stone’s power. Java, fourteenth century. The villagers are fearful of Mbah Merapi, the rumbling volcano that overshadows their lives. Kancil, the lowliest kitchen servant, knows the real danger is human but she is fatherless and mute – and she will lose everything if her identity is revealed. How can Kancil warn the villagers of the danger they are in?
Creators
Deryn Mansell has been fascinated by the history of Java ever since she visited Yogyakarta as a seventeen year old and experienced first-hand the majestic Prambanan and Borobudur temples. That visit motivated her to continue studying Indonesian and she has returned to Java many times since as a student, as a teacher and as a traveller. In her working life, Deryn has been a teacher of Indonesian in Australia, a teacher of English in Indonesia, a researcher of language and intercultural communication and a coordinator of Asia literate business-people volunteering in Australian schools. Tiger Stone is her first book.
Reviews
Deryn Mansell’s first novel moves at a good pace and reveals her love of Indonesian history, culture and language.
Reading Time
Tiger Stone not only represents a significant step in the right direction in encouraging an interest among young Australians and other English-speaking youth in Indonesia’s language, history and culture, but also serves as a reminder of the unique ability storytelling has in breaking down barriers and cultural stereotypes.
Inside Indonesia
I hadn’t known anything much about Tiger Stone. I’d seen the cover at the conference, and I knew the book was set in Indonesia in the 14th century. A place and time I knew almost nothing about. Then Tiger Stone arrived in the mail, and when I began to read it, I didn’t want to stop. It wasn’t just that it was a good, tricky mystery with two very engaging main characters. The pages were opening onto a time and place I knew nothing about…and that was exciting.
This is a great book for readers aged 12+ who are learning Indonesian, as some traditional words are used throughout the text and explained in the glossary. The story gives readers a feel for Indonesian culture at a particular time in history, and readers will enjoy putting the pieces of the mystery together.
Books+Publishing Online
An original, intricate mystery set in fourteenth century Java
Boomerang Books Blog
An excellent first novel. The conclusion holds the possibilities of sequels.
The Source
Beautifully, the novel evokes human life in that early time with all its kindness, ignorance, joy, festivities, superstition, terror and sorrow.
Viewpoint
Tiger Stone is a very strong debut by a knowledgeable and talented writer.
Magpies Magazine
