Far from Home

Thank you!!

After staring at this screen for 5 minutes, I still don't know how to successfully articulate how truly touching this book is. It has been a long time since a book has brought tears to my eyes, and even longer since such raw truths have been handled with such sensitivity and grace. I studied the slave trade, I'm well-read on the Civil Rights Movement, I'm even vaguely aware of the politics behind the infamous Scramble for Africa. But this is the first time I have come across the trials and terrors placed upon the people of Africa throughout the 20th Century. The choice to portray these truths through the eyes of of young girls makes the events they encounter even more shocking. This book is truly an eye-opener. There has only been one other book to spark my interest and motivation to research the historical truths behind its prose - and that didn't touch my heart to this extent. A work of art.

Far From Home was named one of two 2013 Best Books for Older Readers by the Children's Africana Book Award jury. Treating the difficult subject of land ownership in Zimbabwe (and colonial Rhodesia) from 1960 to the present day, Na'ima Robert's historical fiction describes the pain land reapportionment policies have caused white and black families. It is difficult to find material that presents the issue with compassion for the human consequences on both sides. Reviewer Marylee Crofts writes: "She provides insight into the tribulations of whites and blacks in poignant and memorable ways." (Africa Access Review, Oct. 2, 2012) See [...]

Na'ima B. Robert's rivetting story of the life experiences of two girls from opposing backgrounds, paints a picture of Zimbabwe's history which is not often seen by the outsider. One cannot help but empathise with the land policies of President Robert Mugabe, who only sought to take back control of his country. The story is brilliantly written as it exppses the lifestyle of the indigenous people and those who colonised them.

This is a deeply emotional novel and some parts of it were very difficult to read. Not because they weren't well written but because of the subject matter that was being handled. Set in Rhodesia which later became Zimbabwe, this book narrates two strands of a life potrait, as different as they are alike. A young African girl is born on the land, and then torn from it in very painful circumstances, in the same place but another time, a young white Zimbabwe girl also has to come to terms with losing her connection to the land. Politics, history and the human angle combine to make Far from Home a wonderful read. The writing is spare and direct, making it very easy to read this book without missing any of the deep themes.I would definitely recommend this book.

Very awesome book, teaching us about slavery.

School reading.

I have been stuck to this author's work... Great job with this master piece also

Great book. Excellent condition.

Loved it! A bit gentler and slower paced than her other novels, but with the same cliff hanger ending. (Totally caught me off guard though should have seen it coming!). Helped me understand the problematic in a country I had previously not grasped. Gently but warmly told. Fabulous.

Several weeks later I find myself still thinking about this book and I feel it has been good for strengthening my empathetic abilities. Also an eye opener about colonialism. Definitely recommend it.

Author came to my daughter's school and inspired all the kids to read. Many from the school have purchased her book.