Other Hand, The

Cleave, Chris

  9 Reviews

A dramatic encounter on a Nigerian beach has long-lasting ramifications for Little Bee, a Nigerian teenager, and a holidaying English family. From oil-related conflict in Nigeria to the treatment of refugees in Britain, this is a story of moral dilemmas and the collision of different world views. With its balance of humour and tragedy, it is both a heartrending and a satisfying contemporary novel that examines the way different people see the world. Also published as 'Little Bee'. [Larger font]

Comments from Groups

Started with a whizz and a bang -took one's breath away - and ended the same way! ...It was a very thought-provoking look into what can go on in some of these countries. Tauranga 005

Very moving story liked by some more than others.Motueka 001

We enjoyed the book but felt the ending was a bit weak. We were all shocked by the description of the detention centre. Dunedin 033

Excellent descriptive writing and insights touched with humour, so needed in such a grim story. Nelson 007

The book evoked a great deal of discussion. For some, there were parts that weren't believable, but for others, those same parts seemed perfectly believable. We all agreed that none of the characters were very sympathetic, but the book was a good pacy read, and generally we would recommend it to those looking for a lighter, literary thriller. Wellington 153

Many of us found this to be an excellent book, but not everybody said it was 'enjoyable'. It has some brilliant humour and memorable vignettes, yet was found by some to be haunting and even horrifying in parts producing a quirky mix of alternating funny and frightening passages. It was agreed that the book was well constructed, although a few found it somewhat contrived and sometimes implausible. We had a good discussion around the issues of refugees which have become even more topical since the book was written. Tairua 001

We had an excellent evening with a lively discussion. So many contemporary issues in this book to explore! Gisborne 005

A mixed response, some considered the style too lightweight for the enormity of the topic of illegal immigration. The contrast between Sarah's and Little Bee's lives was 'illuminating'. A current problem world wide. Auckland 010

We all thought highly of the book - all feel educated about the horrors of what life can be like in an African country and the disgrace of the British Detention Centres. It gave us food for thought about where our petrol comes from, and how it came to our country. Waikanae 001

Members gave ratings between 6-8. The discussion was excellent - no one in the group had been aware of the issues in Nigeria with the oil companies, and valued the thought provoking aspects of the book around immigration. We didn't find the characters well developed, and not altogether believable. Some leaps of faith were required ie. how did a penniless refugee manage to get to Sarah's home? We felt it was somewhat 'contrived'. Having said that, all were very glad they had read the book, and it gave us a lot to think about. Wellington 117

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