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Reviewed by Sushmitha Bhat for Readers' Favorite
Bid Buai: Dolphin People by Jillian Boyd-Bowie is the sequel to the story Bakir and Bi and delves more into Torres Strait Islander culture. It centers on Mar, Tam, and Lusik, who are now the elders of their island, Ekiam, and is set in an era before colonization. Their peaceful life is disrupted when Tam discovers a stolen magical charm, Iriana. Mar believes this to be a powerful charm that must be returned to its rightful owners to avoid any bad luck coming their way. Mar, Tam, and Lusik set out on a journey to return the charm, while the rightful owners of Iriana journey through the islands in search of Iriana to bring back their balance and prosperity.
Bid Buai has a simple plot with multiple themes. Some of these are supernatural elements, the importance of kinship, restoring balance, and respect for traditions. The story begins slowly, but the pace picks up as the characters embark on their journey, and this indicates that Jillian Boyd-Bowie knows how to control the flow of the story and build anticipation. The characters are defined by their beliefs and humble living. I knew nothing about the Torres Strait Islander culture and was fascinated to learn about their community, language, and beliefs. The author has used descriptive language, cultural references, and terminology to create a sense of immersion for readers. I was impressed by the beautiful illustrations throughout the book. The story includes Torres Strait Islander culture and traditions, ancestry connections, and characters with a strong sense of community and respect. This easy-to-follow plot with a focus on cultural values and traditions will resonate with readers who prefer character-driven stories.
