This is the story of 12 year-old Sade and her brother Femi who flee to Britain from Nigeria. Their father is a political journalist who refuses to stop criticising the military rulers in Nigeria. Their mother is killed and they are sent to London, with their father promising to follow. Abandoned at Victoria Station by the woman paid to bring them to England as her children, Sade and Femi find themselves alone in a new, often hostile, environment. Seen through the eyes of Sade, the novel explores what it means to be classified as 'illegal' and the difficulties which come with being a refugee.
The Other Side of Truth
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Set during the Autumn of 1995 in the aftermath of Ken Saro-Wiwa's execution in Nigeria for alleged political crimes, Beverley Naidoo's frighteningly topical novel is a reminder about just how good children's teenage fiction can sometimes be. Tackling multiple themes--most importantly injustice, the right to freedom of speech, the complexities of political asylum, bullying and, ultimately, the strength of the family--The Other Side of Truth is a gripping story that undoubtedly deserves its widespread acclaim and success.
In turn, the narrative lunges from tragedy in the opening scene, to excitement as the young lead characters begin their bid for freedom, then to frustration as the seemingly safe haven of Britain turns out to be anything but.
Sade and her brother Femi are the children of an outspoken Nigerian journalist. When an assassination attempt on their father's life leaves their mother slain instead, their world is understandably turned upside down. The family must flee the country to survive. Sade and Femi are sent on ahead, escaping the country undercover as the children of a shady Nigerian woman called Mrs Bankhole. She unscrupulously abandons them in London and their only contact in this big, strange and alien capital city is their uncle--but he too is missing. With nowhere to go and nobody to turn to, they are soon swept up by the British legal system and Sade and Femi begin to wonder if they are any better off when they become the victims of bullying in their new, albeit temporary school.
A Silver Award winner in the 2000 Nestlé Smarties Awards, Naidoo's book is in many ways more than just a story. The author was born in South Africa and has written about that continent and discrimination before in a number of acclaimed books including Journey to Jo'burg and No Turning Back. She knew firsthand of the shocking situation in Nigeria in the mid-1990s through friends who were hopeful of a move towards democracy. She wanted to write about the effect of such politics on children and also, by setting a lot of the story in England, to draw attention to the fact that issues such as neglect of human rights and injustice are local issues too.
The book has a powerful tale to tell, tinged with enough echoes of truth to make it a compelling yet uncomfortable experience. (Age 12 and over) --John McLay
Review
'A marvellous read...that refuels the desire for justice and freedom'. - Jon Snow; 'This is a future classic'. - Times Educational Supplement
--This text refers to the
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First Sentence
Sade is slipping her English book into her schoolbag when Mama screams. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
Sade is slipping her English book into her schoolbag when Mama screams. Read the first page Browse Sample Pages
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I really enjoyed The Other Side of Truth because it was a seat-gripping nail-biting story. It has a sad beginning but don't let it stop you reading the book. Two children called Sade and Femi have to leave Nigeria and come to London by themselves and they face many problems. I think this is a great book for anybody over the age of 9 years to read - my Mum really enjoyed it too.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
A moving account of separation and political asylum told through the eyes of Sade and her brother Femi who as a result of their mother's untimely death must depart for London - alone. The text deals well with real issues (fear, loss, politcal trouble, asylum and racism) in a heart-warming and approachable manner. Naidoo traces the childrens journey in a well-documented fashion. Her novel speaks out on many levels, but above all she highlights the very notion that if "you keep quiet about the truth, injustice always wins". The novel becomes a clever blend of fact and fiction. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages, since it is both fascinating, gripping and educational.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This is a brilliant book, and I would reccomend anyone to read it. It is a gripping story, about refugees, and the danger of walking the London streets at night. This book takes you through the guilt trip after stealing, the meaning of friendship and the price of telling the truth. A perfect example of showing how one lie can lead to another. This book is very well written and I anticipate her next book. Even if you prefer famous novels, I advise you to read about this, it will change your veiw on lying and make you thankful we live in a democracy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!!
This book is absolutely amazing. I am reading it at school as well but I couldn't resist buying it for my kindle. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Amilia Paris Sibson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant and thought provoking.
I enjoyed this as much as my kids did. Highly recommended. I bought it for a 9 year old who was itching to progress to a 'grown-up' book. She really enjoyed it
Published 11 days ago by Lucky M
1.0 out of 5 stars
the other side of truth review
i read this book not expecting it to be good and for a change it met my expectations perfectly i know i rated it terribly but i had to read it for school and this shouldn't stop... Read more
Published 1 month ago by MRS. ROSALIND J. DUFFY
3.0 out of 5 stars
Youth Fiction
socially aware, young adult fiction . Didactic rather than entertaining. Not voluntarily read, rather, required by teachers as educationally valuable.
Published 1 month ago by T J MURRELL
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read.
Good read for teenagers. Engaging story that stimulates the imagination and leaves its mark. Well written. Recommended for 12 plus.
Published 1 month ago by Williams Anne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Racial diversity/equality
A wonderful story for both adults and teens. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about refugees and see the world through their eyes.
Published 3 months ago by mary catherine fennessy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good present for a friend
Bought this for a friend as it was on there wish list. Feedback is that it is an enjoyable read. It arrived well packaged and well within delivery timescale.
Published 4 months ago by Beckyboo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must read
A gripping and heart wrenching tale of a family`s suffering and a child's fear. Beautifully written, a definite must read.
Published 5 months ago by B
5.0 out of 5 stars
good for young readers and mature ones alike
I recommended this book to my daughter, having read good reviews on Amazon. I decided to read it first as she was finishing another book. It is a very well written book. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Laetitia
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Other Side of TruthAgain a good Book for
A good book for School Work. My daughter read it first, and says it is a really interesting book. Its got nothing to do with what country you come from. Its not racial.
Published 9 months ago by Scotty
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