I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve written about Julia Golding’s books – the Cat Royal series, the Peril trilogy, the Dragonfly trilogy, the Darcie Lock series …
And now, The Tigers in the Tower. I would not say it is my favourite work by Julia Golding – not even close – but I did enjoy it!
Sahira, the protagonist of the story, is a little spitfire. She might be an orphan, but she’s not going to be a meek little lamb, giving everything up to the greedy Mr Pence. Other adults try to be peacemakers, paying Mr Pence to calm troubled waters, but Sahira is riled up with the injustice of it all.
However, as time rolls by, one hope after another is stripped away. How long can her temper and spirit keep her going? The bullies aren’t just children; they’re adults. And these adults wield power over Sahira’s life. Even as the young girl makes friends, she learns that her friends will betray her when their dearest ones are threatened. Is it their fault? Maybe not, but that does not ease her hurt!
Sahira has arrived in England in the company of a pair of tigers – Rama and Sita – and she seems to be the only person who can manage them because, unlike the others, she understands that tigers need their space. They are wild creatures, not tabby cats to be petted and cossetted. She is charged with taking care of them, but once more, decisions are made without consulting her. Sahira, just like the tigers, pines for independence. She longs for the freedom to just be. Unfortunately, both the tigers and Sahira have decisions made for them, and they’re pushed into situations beyond their control.
Sahira’s spirit is almost broken. She has nothing to keep her going.
Except the friends she’s fought for. And so, with friends and a healthy dose of determination bordering on obstinacy, Sahira and the tigers rebel – and triumph.
| Title | The Tigers in the Tower |
| Author | Julia Golding |
| Tags | Historical Fiction, Middle Grade |
| Rating (out of 5) | 3.5 |
| Age-group | 10+ |
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