 | Wild song Author: Gourlay, Candy | |
| Price: $14.99 | ||
Summary:
In 1904, sixteen-year-old Luki travels from the US-controlled Philippines to the World's Fair in Saint Louis, Missouri, where she discovers a wider world, confronts dark secrets, and wrestles with difficult choices.
Reviews:
Booklist (+) (12/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 09/01/2025 *Starred Review* In 1804, the U.S. brought about 1,000 Indigenous people from the recently conquered Philippine Islands to work in living exhibits for the St. Louis World’s Fair. When Truman Hunt comes to Luki’s village to recruit participants, she is excited for the opportunity to visit America and escape the rigid confines of her village, where she’s expected to marry and have children and not allowed to hunt, simply because she’s a girl. The journey is arduous, but Luki remains optimistic, encouraging her fellow Igorots (the generic term used for all Filipino natives). When she meets Sadie Locket, a sharpshooting trick rider from the Wild West show, Luki is thrilled to be asked to work as Sadie’s personal assistant. But slowly, Luki becomes aware of indignities pressed upon the Igorot and other people of color involved in the fair, and she wonders if she made the right choice. Gourlay explores some of the consequences of colonialism with nuance and sensitivity. Luki is a spirited character who thoughtfully observes the injustices of the world around her yet maintains a sense of hope and optimism. Most secondary characters are also multifaceted, helping readers get a feel for the complexities of American and European imperialism. An author’s note provides important contextual information about the historical characters and events in the novel. Give this to fans of well-researched historical fiction featuring authentic voices. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
