Review of "Dumb" Orphans
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Amanda Mitchell Renz
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Review of "Dumb" Orphans
[Following is a volunteer review of ""Dumb" Orphans" by Allan Low.]
Dumb Orphans The Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Allan Low is a riveting account of a group of orphans living in the Bundami village in Africa. The three books introduce the reader to a resilient and innovative group of orphans shunned by their community, exploited by those with power, and given nothing more than a dirty hut to sleep in. From water to food to warding off cobras, the Bundu Bunch, as the orphans refer to themselves, do not appear to meet an obstacle they can’t conquer. The stories revolve around Aiyasha, an orphaned teenager who becomes the group's caregiver, teacher, and confidant. Book one is written from the point of view of Sipho, an older orphan, and books two and three from the youngest orphan, Elah. To read about their experiences through the orphans’ eyes and not from an outside observer is a potent tool. The innocence of childhood is not entirely lost on these young people, and their unrelenting determination is inspiring. On television and in news programs, privileged, first-world residents are shown sad photos and deplorable living conditions of individuals like the Bundu Bunch. This trilogy challenges those media-engrained stereotypes. It embraces the truth of poverty, disease, and worse but shows a living side that can flourish when one person opens the gates of schooling to those who cannot afford it.
Allan Low is a talented storyteller, and those stories, combined with childlike illustrations by Elizabeth Sparg, bring this tale to life. The horrors of the orphans living conditions and treatments are not sugarcoated but presented in a way that children will understand. The references to actual locations in Africa and England ground the trilogy in reality. This book is a powerful teaching tool with many lessons waiting to be unpacked. It is a beautiful account of a life that differs from my own experiences. I am grateful for this as it allows me to open my eyes beyond my little corner. This is what stuck with me the most. The vivid storytelling allowed me to use my imagination and transport myself to be with the orphans.
Dumb Orphans The Bundu Bunch Trilogy was almost to short. I wanted to know more about each of the orphans and connect all their experiences to the storyline. A book describing each of the orphans' successes, failures, and life adventures would result in an epic compilation much beyond this trilogy. The bunch seemed important to the storyline, but the reader only knows a small amount beyond descriptions.
I give Dumb Orphans The Bundu Bunch Trilogy a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. It is a beautiful children’s book, highlighting an often minimized world. The writing is relatable, easily understandable, and flows like a storyteller reading it around the campfire.
Dumb Orphans The Bundu Bunch Trilogy is a children’s book and thus is written for children. However, unlike many children’s books, this trilogy truly bridges the age gap and could and should be read by readers of all ages. It is one of those tales that will mean something different depending on a person’s life experience.
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"Dumb" Orphans
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Dumb Orphans The Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Allan Low is a riveting account of a group of orphans living in the Bundami village in Africa. The three books introduce the reader to a resilient and innovative group of orphans shunned by their community, exploited by those with power, and given nothing more than a dirty hut to sleep in. From water to food to warding off cobras, the Bundu Bunch, as the orphans refer to themselves, do not appear to meet an obstacle they can’t conquer. The stories revolve around Aiyasha, an orphaned teenager who becomes the group's caregiver, teacher, and confidant. Book one is written from the point of view of Sipho, an older orphan, and books two and three from the youngest orphan, Elah. To read about their experiences through the orphans’ eyes and not from an outside observer is a potent tool. The innocence of childhood is not entirely lost on these young people, and their unrelenting determination is inspiring. On television and in news programs, privileged, first-world residents are shown sad photos and deplorable living conditions of individuals like the Bundu Bunch. This trilogy challenges those media-engrained stereotypes. It embraces the truth of poverty, disease, and worse but shows a living side that can flourish when one person opens the gates of schooling to those who cannot afford it.
Allan Low is a talented storyteller, and those stories, combined with childlike illustrations by Elizabeth Sparg, bring this tale to life. The horrors of the orphans living conditions and treatments are not sugarcoated but presented in a way that children will understand. The references to actual locations in Africa and England ground the trilogy in reality. This book is a powerful teaching tool with many lessons waiting to be unpacked. It is a beautiful account of a life that differs from my own experiences. I am grateful for this as it allows me to open my eyes beyond my little corner. This is what stuck with me the most. The vivid storytelling allowed me to use my imagination and transport myself to be with the orphans.
Dumb Orphans The Bundu Bunch Trilogy was almost to short. I wanted to know more about each of the orphans and connect all their experiences to the storyline. A book describing each of the orphans' successes, failures, and life adventures would result in an epic compilation much beyond this trilogy. The bunch seemed important to the storyline, but the reader only knows a small amount beyond descriptions.
I give Dumb Orphans The Bundu Bunch Trilogy a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. It is a beautiful children’s book, highlighting an often minimized world. The writing is relatable, easily understandable, and flows like a storyteller reading it around the campfire.
Dumb Orphans The Bundu Bunch Trilogy is a children’s book and thus is written for children. However, unlike many children’s books, this trilogy truly bridges the age gap and could and should be read by readers of all ages. It is one of those tales that will mean something different depending on a person’s life experience.
******
"Dumb" Orphans
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Early Years of 'Squirt' Malone by Richard W. Kelly
