Like a Kite

Teenager Dana hates new experiences. Now her distant and accomplished father, an airforce pilot, is taking his family to Ethiopia. Crouching uncomfortably in the dark hold of the military aircraft carrying her family to their exotic new home, Dana is sure that this latest upheaval – to Ethiopia – promises to be bad. But Ethiopia is beguiling. Against her will, Dana is thrilled by the huge plants and their hot, intense colors, the graceful servants in white gowns and the hushed, languid ambience. Everyone in her stiff family relaxes under the benign Ethiopian influence, but the metamorphosis of Dana begins when she meets Julian, an English boy whom Dana thinks of as ‘‘Gilbert’’ from Anne of Green Gables. Both have been uprooted many times, and both are misfits. Kindred spirits meet, resulting in immediate friendship. Each morning Dana looks up at Julian’s window. If it is open, they can start their day, walking miles, exploring undiscovered places and talking without a break. Their friendship begins to change, however, and they are confused by their emotions. The adolescent view is intelligent, mature and credible. Ofra Offer Oren was born in Israel but taken to London as a child. She lives in Tel Aviv and is a translator and author of books for children and adults.