Out of the Shadows - By Jason Wallace

Out of the Shadows is a remarkable book set in post war Zimbabwe from the point of view of an English boy who's Dad has moved for his Job. He goes to a boarding school and makes two of his own friends before becoming part of Ivan's gang, leaving behind the previous 2 as they are not part of the gang.

He seems surprised by the level of racism - England, or Pommesland as it is called by those brought up in Zimbabwe. The war is not as yet history; although the natives have control back, the prejudices and fighting continues.

Robert Jacklin (the voice of the book)'s father believes, as many did at the time (including my mum who was working in South Africa at the time), Mugabe was a great leader and that his Zimbabwe was a perfect model for other countries in the aftermath of colonialism.

One of the best things about this book is how real the people are. Teachers may not like to hear it but we do insult each other quite often, boys more than girls I think, and it is (almost) always taken as a joke (or at least meant as), the expense of the joke being spread around the group, although not evenly, as in this group those at the bottom of the food chain get it worst, Ivan, the apex predator, very little.

The Character of Robert is also very realistic, how he allows many of his morals to be bent under peer pressure, avoiding breaking them whenever possible, but still there are occasions when he does, and even if he doesn't he does nothing to stop it.

I liked how Jason Wallace dropped hints about what was going to happen, but never giving enough for you to work it out, just enough to tantalise you.

This book was one of my priorities to read as soon as I found out about it and is a superb book, not just avoiding disappointing me, but surprising me with the twists and turns despite me knowing what Mugabe would do, having heard of it in the knews etc.

A great book I would recommend.

Will

YR 8