This is McCleen’s debut novel. It’s a charming story, and even though religion forms a big premise in this novel, it is not a religious novel by any means.
The story is narrated by the main character, 10-year-old Judith Mcpherson. She and her father live in a village where he works at a local factory, and preaches “end of the World” prophesies in his off time. They are members of a sect known as the brothers.
Judith is not allowed to do worldly things such as watching TV or participating in group activities at school. She spends most of her time in her bedroom where she has created her own little world, the land of decoration, from pieces of trash, including paper-mache mountains and cling film rivers. Repurposing acorn cups for bowls, twigs for ostrich legs, brown corduroy for fields and a mirror for the sea.
Then Judith has an idea, if she makes it snow in her make belief land, maybe it will snow in the real world and she will not have to go to school. And so it comes to pass, after which she hears God speaking to her; while her father experiences a crisis of faith. Judith experiences more miracles believing she has god given powers. The McPhersons experiences escalating conflicts with the world as a result of their original situation, as opposed to anything Judith is doing or thinks she is doing.
An emotional novel; touching on philosophical issues and the trials and tribulations of an intelligent lonely child. Refreshingly original and thought provoking.
