Review of "Dumb" Orphans

[Carol McCoy Phelps]

[Following is a volunteer review of ""Dumb" Orphans" by Allan Low.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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“Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Allan Low is a work of historical fiction set in the southern part of Africa. It is a detailed account of an orphan girl and her amazing journey through the five decades of her life as she nurtures and teaches a younger group of orphans.

The story begins in a valley called Bundami. Fifteen-year-old Aiyasha loses her father and is forced to move to a hut in a remote part of the valley. When seven other children lose their parents, Aiyasha becomes their guardian. Their struggles, intelligence, and ingenuity form the rest of the first book in the trilogy. The locals call the children “dumb” orphans because they are illiterate and cannot afford school tuition fees. Unbeknownst to the locals, Aiyasha secretly teaches the orphans and helps them win scholarships to prestigious schools.

The trilogy continues with two more books that follow the lives of the orphans as they leave the Bundami valley and settle into their careers. Aiyasha remains their role model and mentor for several years. Protests erupt in the Bundami valley when the laws change, allowing poor children to attend free public schools. When the rich people blame Aiyasha, she suddenly disappears. Her friends fear that she is a victim of murder, and they launch an all-out search for her. Will they find her body? Who is to blame for her disappearance? What will happen to the schools for the disadvantaged children? Read this thrilling account for yourself to learn where Allan Law takes his group of orphans.

I like how Low presented a well-researched and detailed novel that represents the living conditions of south African orphans during the AIDS epidemic. I enjoyed his readable narrative style. The antics of the orphans made me laugh. Their hunger and abuse made me weep. Their victories over injustice made my heart swell with pride. Law penned a smooth storyline that was consistent from one book to the next. The folklore shared by the storytellers in the valley is an enchanting addition. The descriptions of historical, political, and social structures included in the novel elevate the value of the reading experience for people who enjoy historical fiction.

I found nothing to dislike about this book. I found only one editing error, which indicates that the book was professionally edited. I did not deduct any stars for this one error.

Elementary through high school students are this book’s target audience, but I recommend it to readers of all ages. The book is beautifully illustrated and brilliantly written. For these reasons, I rate “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy 5 out of 5 stars.

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"Dumb" Orphans
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[Lorem Ipsum]

The title of the book is thought-provoking and your review proves that the author didn't disappoint. The book sounds like an emotional read.