"Journey to the River Sea" is a children's novel written by Eva Ibbotson. Published in 2001, the story is set in the early 20th century and follows the adventures of an orphaned girl named Maia, who is sent from her boarding school in England to live with distant relatives in the Amazon rainforest.
The narrative begins with Maia being orphaned and sent to live with her strict and unsympathetic relatives in London. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she receives an invitation to live with her relatives, the Carters, in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. Eager for a new adventure, Maia embarks on a journey to the exotic and mysterious world of the Amazon.
Upon arriving in Brazil, Maia discovers a vibrant and enchanting environment vastly different from her life in England. She befriends a local boy named Finn, and together they explore the rich biodiversity of the Amazon, encountering unique wildlife and forming deep connections with the indigenous people.
As the story unfolds, Maia becomes entangled in a plot involving her relatives, who have their own interests in the Amazon. The novel explores themes of friendship, environmental conservation, and the clash between modernity and the natural world.
"Journey to the River Sea" is celebrated for its vivid and evocative descriptions of the Amazon rainforest, as well as its engaging characters. Eva Ibbotson's storytelling captures the spirit of adventure and the importance of embracing different cultures and the wonders of nature. The novel has been well-received for its blend of historical fiction, adventure, and environmental awareness, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read for both children and adults alike.