"I feel myself sway as the firm floor of the den seems strangely softer. When I look down the concrete has disappeared and in its place is golden sand."
Inspiration
Fingal's Cave. Photo by Markus Keller.
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I grew up in the city of Nottingham and went to an amazing school called Mellers. I’ve always wanted to write a story inspired by this urban setting and so my starting point was the tower block which stood outside my school. I began imagining all the ancient things that existed before it was even built and that’s how I got the idea to bring history into the story. I also wanted to bring magic to my everyday setting and I did this by including a mysterious cat called Leo and the rooftop garden which Xanthe’s great grandpa created when he fled Uganda where he was born and made Nottingham his home.
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The rooftop garden
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Xanthe’s Nan was born in Uganda. Her family were forced to leave when she was twelve. The first thing her dad did when he arrived was to plant the flame seeds he had carried all the way from his home. After this it became his passion and he created the most incredible garden bursting with wildlife.
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History
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In this story I wanted to shine a light on a little-known period in Indian history. Until 1972 Uganda had a big Indian population. They had migrated there from India during the 19th Century under British Colonialism, mostly to work on the railways. In 1972 the president Idi Amin expelled all these people. They had 90 days to leave and could only take £50. Xanthe’s nan left Uganda. It was a very sad time for her.
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Meet the Characters
XANTHE - "Hi I’m Xanthe. I’m spending the summer holidays with my nan as usual, but the problem is it’s not usual at all. Nan is losing her memories and this summer I’m going to do my best to help her. I’ve got a brilliant plan – I just hope it works!"
ROMEO - "I’m Romeo. I live next door to Xanthe’s gran in the tower block in the middle of Nottingham. Me and Xanthe have been best friends since we were toddlers. We have a fantastic time whenever she comes to stay with her nan. But ever since I made a new friend, Pria, Xanthe has got a bit jealous. There’s no need though. Xanthe and me go back a long way. I want to help with her gran project too."
LEO - "I’m the sort of cat that goes wherever they please. Sometimes I’m in the tower block, sometimes I’m somewhere else. I like heading up to the roof garden and losing myself in the greenery. This summer is special. It’s the first time I’ve met Xanthe. I think we have a special bond. I want to help her to see what’s hidden right under her nose!"
NAN - "My name’s Maia and I’m Xanthe’s gran. I was born a long way from Nottingham in Uganda, Africa. It was so beautiful there. When I was about Xanthe’s age I had to leave. I was heartbroken. Lately I find myself drifting back and thinking about what happened. The president Idi Amin forced all the families of Indian heritage to leave. We only had 90 days to get out and could only take £50 with us. I left so much behind – so many friends."
ROMEO - "I’m Romeo. I live next door to Xanthe’s gran in the tower block in the middle of Nottingham. Me and Xanthe have been best friends since we were toddlers. We have a fantastic time whenever she comes to stay with her nan. But ever since I made a new friend, Pria, Xanthe has got a bit jealous. There’s no need though. Xanthe and me go back a long way. I want to help with her gran project too."
LEO - "I’m the sort of cat that goes wherever they please. Sometimes I’m in the tower block, sometimes I’m somewhere else. I like heading up to the roof garden and losing myself in the greenery. This summer is special. It’s the first time I’ve met Xanthe. I think we have a special bond. I want to help her to see what’s hidden right under her nose!"
NAN - "My name’s Maia and I’m Xanthe’s gran. I was born a long way from Nottingham in Uganda, Africa. It was so beautiful there. When I was about Xanthe’s age I had to leave. I was heartbroken. Lately I find myself drifting back and thinking about what happened. The president Idi Amin forced all the families of Indian heritage to leave. We only had 90 days to get out and could only take £50 with us. I left so much behind – so many friends."
