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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I find that I tend to begin comments about historical fiction novels with "I usually don't like historical fiction, but..." and this review is no different. I had to read a novel with a small group for my multiculturalism and ya lit class, and this was the one selected for me. More commentary to come when I'm not updating from my phone.
4.5 stars. Such an important book that highlights issues experienced by refugee children
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
This is a difficult book to review. It was quite hard to read at times, probably because I know that although these characters were fictional, people like them are real and have experienced such terrible things. I can't say I enjoyed it, but I was moved by it and feel it was incredibly well written.
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I had recently hit a reading lull and this book pulled me back in. The main character is so brave, but still so realistic . .. she was willing to get on a plane and start a new life because her father asked it of her, but still had a hard time standing up to ordinary bullies at school. Very fast read.
Sade lives in Nigeria with her mother (a nurse), her father (a journalist), and her younger brother, Femi. Her father writes articles for the last remaining newspaper in Nigeria that dares to publish the truth about Nigeria's brutal military government.
When their mother is killed by government gunmen, their father hires a woman to pose as their mother and smuggle them into London, where they will stay with an uncle. Their father plans to join them as soon as he can get a fake passport.
Sade and Femi make it to London, but are left alone when their uncle does not meet them at the airport. After some scary experiences while wandering around a strange new city, they are taken in by a government agency that works with refugees. Not wanting to put their father in danger back in Nigeria, they lie about their last name and hometown. When their father makes it to London, he is imprisoned for entering the country with a fake passport.
This is a beautifully written novel and the descriptions and metaphors are stunning. The only part of the story that didn't work for me was the fact that Sade, so brave and true to herself when it comes to bringing her father's story to light, does the opposite when faced with bullies at school. Perhaps it was more realistic the way Naidoo wrote it, but I really wanted to see Sade stand up to her personal bullies just like her dad.
This is a compelling and moving novel. A must-read.
When their mother is killed by government gunmen, their father hires a woman to pose as their mother and smuggle them into London, where they will stay with an uncle. Their father plans to join them as soon as he can get a fake passport.
Sade and Femi make it to London, but are left alone when their uncle does not meet them at the airport. After some scary experiences while wandering around a strange new city, they are taken in by a government agency that works with refugees. Not wanting to put their father in danger back in Nigeria, they lie about their last name and hometown. When their father makes it to London, he is imprisoned for entering the country with a fake passport.
This is a beautifully written novel and the descriptions and metaphors are stunning. The only part of the story that didn't work for me was the fact that Sade, so brave and true to herself when it comes to bringing her father's story to light, does the opposite when faced with bullies at school. Perhaps it was more realistic the way Naidoo wrote it, but I really wanted to see Sade stand up to her personal bullies just like her dad.
This is a compelling and moving novel. A must-read.
Wonderfully written, compelling and thought-provoking novel.
A sad yet inspiring and hopeful story about Sade and her young brother Femi feeling from the dangers of Lagos to being smuggled into the cold streets of 90's London. Alone and fearful, having to defend for themselves whilst mourning the death of their mother, these kids had to do what they could to survive. Waiting for their father to join and hopefully survive after the threats against him for his writing as an outspoken journalist, it's them against the world in trying to keep themselves and their father out of dangers eye.
Complex and interesting characters, some inspiring words of wisdom and a story that's important and heartbreaking. The strength of this twelve year old girl and her family is tremendous. Although fictional, this is most likely based on the bravery of children and families still suffering and sticking together for a better life through perilous times.
An eye-opening story about refugees, cultures and family that is full of such hope, you can't not enjoy this book. Naidoo has such a fantastic way of writing and it really gripped me.
A sad yet inspiring and hopeful story about Sade and her young brother Femi feeling from the dangers of Lagos to being smuggled into the cold streets of 90's London. Alone and fearful, having to defend for themselves whilst mourning the death of their mother, these kids had to do what they could to survive. Waiting for their father to join and hopefully survive after the threats against him for his writing as an outspoken journalist, it's them against the world in trying to keep themselves and their father out of dangers eye.
Complex and interesting characters, some inspiring words of wisdom and a story that's important and heartbreaking. The strength of this twelve year old girl and her family is tremendous. Although fictional, this is most likely based on the bravery of children and families still suffering and sticking together for a better life through perilous times.
An eye-opening story about refugees, cultures and family that is full of such hope, you can't not enjoy this book. Naidoo has such a fantastic way of writing and it really gripped me.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes