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Where The River Takes Us

Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week

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Where The River Takes Us

By: Lesley Parr
Narrated by: Scott Arthur
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Bloomsbury presents Where The River Takes Us by Lesley Parr, read by Scott Arthur.

From the author of The Valley of Lost Secrets comes a thrilling adventure about the power of friendship, set in a Welsh valley in the 1970s, for readers of 9+. Shortlisted for the 2024 Tir na n-Og Awards.

Jason lives with his big brother, Richie, trying their best to make ends meet so they can stay together. They've got supportive neighbours and some great friends, but there's always the threat that someone will think they can't manage on their own since their parents died. It’s February 1974 and working-class families have been hit hard by the three-day week. The reduced power usage means less work, and less money to get by on. Richie is doing his best, but to make enough money, he’s been doing favours for the wrong people.

An urban legend about a beast in the valleys catches Jason's eye in the local paper. A wild cat is said to roam the forest, far up the river from their bridge. A reward is offered for proof of The Beast’s existence. Jason's friends are desperate to help him, and they convince him that this is the answer to his and Richie’s money problems.

And so a quest begins. Four best friends soon find themselves on a journey that will change each of them … forever.

With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure is packed with irresistible characters and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this another timeless story from one of our finest writers of historical fiction for kids.

'What a story. What a writer. Simply stunning' – Emma Carroll
Selected as The Sunday Times Children's Book of the Week 12 March 2023
Longlisted for the Historical Association Young Quills Award 2024©2023 Lesley Parr (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Action & Adventure Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Historical Historical Fiction Literature & Fiction Friendship Inspiring Adventure Money
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Critic reviews

What a story. What a writer. Simply stunning
A luminous love letter to brotherhood & friendship. It sits effortlessly alongside Stand By Me & Ostrich Boys. And like everything Lesley writes, it radiates a big, beautiful heart
A poignant, funny adventure for 9+, rich in bittersweet, evocative detail. (Imogen Russell Williams)
With echoes of Stand By Me, this thrilling middle-grade adventure gives us the most exquisite characterisation and a page-turning plot with relatable themes, making this utterly timeless and one of the finest historical fiction stories in the market today
Entrancing (James Lovegrove)
Beautifully told. This appealing book is about losses healed, lies uncovered, cruelty defeated and goodness rewarded
An assured, thoughtful historical novel with a richly evoked post-war Welsh setting
All stars
Most relevant
A really gripping story brought to life by the great narration! Hope to listen to more of Lesley Parr’s books. Highly recommended

Gripping story

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This is a beautifully written book which takes you to the 1970s exoring and showing a strong bond of friendship. The book is an adventure with believable and likeable characters and a backdrop of sadness. I would recommend for Year 6 or above or a mature Year 5.

Exciting and poignant

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The memories of my childhood in south Wales were certainly evoked by this funny, adventurous and moving little tale aimed at young adults and older children. Though I grew up in the forties and fifties the childrens' play/adventure gang mentality were so well portrayed for me. The quality of the narration really made the story come alive. Great to hear a Welsh story read by a Welsh reader with a real Welsh accent. So often the accent used by non-welsh narrators misses out on the subtle varieties of Welsh speech patterns and accents that can differ between counties,towns and villages throughout the Principality. Scott Arthur's reading got it just right and the use of tone, pitch and pacing between different characters ensured the reader was never in doubt as to which character was speaking. An easy and enjoyable listen. Well done.

Like being there....again!

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Story was not as good as previous books by this author. But that is just my opinion

A bit disappointed

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