A review by bookedupandbusy
The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

5.0

Trigger Warning: Child Abuse

I won’t lie, I put off reading this book for many months because big books scare me and at nearly 469 pages I was worried that I may lose interest half way through. So I started the book…. and read 100 pages in ONE NIGHT. It was that moving!

I don’t want to give away the plot so I will keep the synopsis brief: Celestine is taken from his home and family in the Congo to be the ‘’companion’’ of explorer Sir Richard Babbington in England. Years later (1907) he is banished to the attic. We learn of his struggles, challenges and constant ache for his mother. Moving forwards (1970s) we are then told of Lowra’s experiences in the same house and attic. The way the parallel narratives are linked is genius!

The story shows the effects of colonialism, and also explores generational trauma. Lowra’s chapters were not as interesting as Celestine’s however her chapters are VERY important and are the catalyst for the whole story.

Inspired by the real life story of a boy called Ndugu M'Hali it is a heartbreaking and harrowing story. Please read this!