Fei lives in a small town at the top of a mountain where for generations no one has been able to hear. Trapped by a rockslide with no fertile land available, the villagers rely on food delivered daily by a zipline. They receive food in exchange for precious metals they mine from the mountain. However, now the villagers are beginning to lose their sight as well as their hearing and mining is more difficult. With fewer metals to send down the mountain, there is less food and starvation seems imminent.
When one night Fei wakes to a horrible noise, her sense of hearing is restored. Sound becomes her weapon and Fei sets off on a journey to save her people. Fei’s experience documents the interesting psychological aspects of regaining a lost sense. The story also explores the ideas of prejudice and exploitation. Although the character building is a little weak, the story has an interesting twist and remains age appropriate.
Recommended ages--11 and up