Refugee Boy

Beyond that... The characterisation is almost non-existent - I had to make excuses to the class for the lack of any emotional feel to the book, and the stereotyped bully, angst-ridden teen, stiff head teacher and mumsy do-gooder relief workers made most of us cringe. The vocabulary is dull (is there really any need to use the word 'periodically' twice in three lines? Or the word 'large' twice in one sentence?). The lack of descriptive language or imagery is embarrassing, although occasionally there is a perfunctory simile. The dialogue is wooden and unbelievable. This book, in contrast to the author's poems, is as humourous as being buried alive - a contrived 'joke' about "mass debates" is not humour.

As I read it I realised that this book would be bought largely on the strength of Zephaniah's name, and was, presumably, published on that basis too. An average year ten student with the time could do quite as well, and that's no example to set to our classes, is it?


Could have been better   April 5, 2005
Ms. A. Mustapha
5 out of 8 found this review helpful

This book gives you an insight into the lives of children seeking asylum.

I feel the book is aimed more at the younger audience and have only given it 4 stars as it would have been better if the author had delved more into the characters feelings and to share with us more of his experiences.