The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm
by Nancy Farmer

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Book Reviews of The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm

Book Review: One of the most unusual childrens books I have read!
Summary: 5 Stars

The story follows the both the childrens adventures, and the detectives search in a very believable Zimbabwe of the future. From the anthill-like slums of Dead Mans Vlei (ruled over by the terrifying She Elephant), to the preserved peace of Resthaven (the ancient heartland of Africa) to the Colonial enclave of Borrowdale, Synder has created a credible future for Africa populated by extremely odd beings...mellowers, talking blue monkeys, Shona spirits and robots...all have their roots in Africa's past but are skilfully projected into it's future.

At the heart of the story is the tale of how the oldest of the children,thirteen year old Tendai grows from a scared boy into an African warrior in the best tradition of tribal rites of passage. Along the way, all the other characters are changed too as the children become embroiled in a fight against evil which culminates in a mythic struggle in a restauraunt at the top of Mile-High MacIlwaine Tower.

This is a complex book which operates on many levels; as a straightforward story of the future, as an allegory of the recent past, as an exploration of the moral dilemmas all humans (including children)face in life. It's a very hard book to describe but it is the first children's book I have read in quite a time that has left me thinking hard!

A great book for older readers (age 11 -14) who like to be amazed, astonished and amused.Highly recommended!

Children's Books

• Science Fiction & Fantasy
• Teens