Review of "Dumb" Orphans
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- Latest Review: "Dumb" Orphans by Allan Low
Review of "Dumb" Orphans
[Following is a volunteer review of ""Dumb" Orphans" by Allan Low.]
Allan Low’s children’s trilogy, “Dumb” Orphans, is based on the true stories and struggles of the countless children orphaned during the AIDS pandemic. Low calls these children the “hidden victims” of the pandemic as their stories are often overlooked and largely remain untold. For these children, the pandemic did not end with the arrival of vaccinations. Instead, the course of their lives had already been irrevocably altered. As their countries and communities began to rebuild and heal, they would continue to bear the consequences of one of the worst pandemics of the modern era.
“Dumb” Orphans follows the lives of a group of orphans known as the Bundu Bunch – named such due to their proclivity for exploring the magnificent surroundings of their South African community in the Bundami Valley. Their government officials are crooked individuals who are primarily concerned with keeping the community's privileged members pleased. These poor children see little, if any, of the donations intended to help them. Instead, they are sold off by greedy leaders as a means of lining their own pockets. The headman of their village banishes this group of orphans to a small, run-down shack on the outskirts of town. Disowned by their community and with no families of their own, they must learn how to survive by themselves against all odds.
Although they’re often ridiculed for being “dumb” due to their lack of education, we learn these orphans each possess special abilities that they use to contribute to their newfound family’s survival. Aiyasha, the eldest of the group, assumes the role of the caretaker. At only fifteen years old, she graciously takes the younger orphans in under her wing and assures that everyone is taken care of. Aiyasha knows that education equals opportunity, however, their government system doesn’t allow these children to attend school. So, in secret, she begins to tutor the children in their spare time, teaching them every bit of knowledge she can gain access to.
No matter how bleak their circumstances become, the Bundu Bunch are always abundant in one thing – hope. A truly uplifting story of overcoming adversity, “Dumb” Orphans reminds us that all it takes is one person to make a difference in the lives of many others – in this case, an entire nation. And when we use our individual talents to work together, we can achieve success we never dreamed possible.
The story offers children a look into a culture that is most likely very different from their own. Children reading will be able to discern that despite their cultural differences, they have the same hopes, desires, and dreams as the children in the Bundu Bunch. While the thought that the youngest member of the bunch, aged six, is always the one to come up with the best ideas and gives several long-winded, encouraging speeches to the group is somewhat unrealistic, younger readers will find the characters both relatable and inspiring.
“Dumb” Orphans earns a 5 out of 5 star rating for Low’s effective storytelling – writing heavy topics such as disease, poverty, and privilege in a very approachable way that children can easily understand and process. This book is one that the entire family will enjoy reading together. The short-length chapters are easily digestible for younger readers, while Low’s captivating characters and plot twists will keep readers of all ages engaged until the very end.
******
"Dumb" Orphans
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Allan Low’s children’s trilogy, “Dumb” Orphans, is based on the true stories and struggles of the countless children orphaned during the AIDS pandemic. Low calls these children the “hidden victims” of the pandemic as their stories are often overlooked and largely remain untold. For these children, the pandemic did not end with the arrival of vaccinations. Instead, the course of their lives had already been irrevocably altered. As their countries and communities began to rebuild and heal, they would continue to bear the consequences of one of the worst pandemics of the modern era.
“Dumb” Orphans follows the lives of a group of orphans known as the Bundu Bunch – named such due to their proclivity for exploring the magnificent surroundings of their South African community in the Bundami Valley. Their government officials are crooked individuals who are primarily concerned with keeping the community's privileged members pleased. These poor children see little, if any, of the donations intended to help them. Instead, they are sold off by greedy leaders as a means of lining their own pockets. The headman of their village banishes this group of orphans to a small, run-down shack on the outskirts of town. Disowned by their community and with no families of their own, they must learn how to survive by themselves against all odds.
Although they’re often ridiculed for being “dumb” due to their lack of education, we learn these orphans each possess special abilities that they use to contribute to their newfound family’s survival. Aiyasha, the eldest of the group, assumes the role of the caretaker. At only fifteen years old, she graciously takes the younger orphans in under her wing and assures that everyone is taken care of. Aiyasha knows that education equals opportunity, however, their government system doesn’t allow these children to attend school. So, in secret, she begins to tutor the children in their spare time, teaching them every bit of knowledge she can gain access to.
No matter how bleak their circumstances become, the Bundu Bunch are always abundant in one thing – hope. A truly uplifting story of overcoming adversity, “Dumb” Orphans reminds us that all it takes is one person to make a difference in the lives of many others – in this case, an entire nation. And when we use our individual talents to work together, we can achieve success we never dreamed possible.
The story offers children a look into a culture that is most likely very different from their own. Children reading will be able to discern that despite their cultural differences, they have the same hopes, desires, and dreams as the children in the Bundu Bunch. While the thought that the youngest member of the bunch, aged six, is always the one to come up with the best ideas and gives several long-winded, encouraging speeches to the group is somewhat unrealistic, younger readers will find the characters both relatable and inspiring.
“Dumb” Orphans earns a 5 out of 5 star rating for Low’s effective storytelling – writing heavy topics such as disease, poverty, and privilege in a very approachable way that children can easily understand and process. This book is one that the entire family will enjoy reading together. The short-length chapters are easily digestible for younger readers, while Low’s captivating characters and plot twists will keep readers of all ages engaged until the very end.
******
"Dumb" Orphans
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: "Dumb" Orphans by Allan Low
