Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Review: Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe

Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn’t have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying, from eating his first skewer of suya under the shade of a mango tree, to visiting the village magician who promises to double the money in his pocket. Once he finally makes it across the river, Chike realizes that life on the other side is far different from his expectations, and he must find the courage within him to make it home. (online description)

Review: This is a unique book. Written by Achebe, famous for his work Things Fall Apart, this is  children's book. I enjoyed tagging along on Chike as he discoverers truths about himself, his friends and his world. I enjoyed reading about Africa from a non-western viewpoint. I highly recommend this as an fine addition to any child's library, something to add diversity and non-western thought.

Bookmarks: 7 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-307-47386-8
Date Finished: 10-12-2014
Pages: 88

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