'Nothing interests Maman today, not even Jean, her favorite child … She acts dumb, bewitched, like a goat that the neighborhood children have fed sorghum beer.'
This extraordinary collection ranges from the depiction of a street family's poverty in Kenya, illegal trading of children in Gabon to inter-religious conflicts in Nigeria and Ethiopia and the terrible situation faced by a mixed Hutu-Tsutsi family in Rwanda.
Say You're One of Them is fiction with real emotional punch and told from the viewpoints of children - the innocent victims - is powerful, vivid and deeply moving. Uwem Akpan's ability to capture a child's imagination and his skilful portrayal of the situations they have to endure makes this a truly compelling read.
'Say You’re One of Them gives voice to its children in beautifully crafted prose and stunning detail. Uwem Akpan is a major new literary talent.'
- Peter Godwin, author of Mukiwa
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'Uwem Akpan writes with a politcal fierceness and a humanity so full of compassion it might just change the world. His is a burning talent.'
- Chris Abani, author of The Virgin of the Flames
Trade Paperback
Published 05/06/2008