Review of "Dumb" Orphans
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Skyler Cahill
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Review of "Dumb" Orphans
[Following is a volunteer review of ""Dumb" Orphans" by Allan Low.]
“Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy Review by Skyler Cahill
The novel “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy, by Allan Low, is an interesting read as the lives of a group of orphans unfold. The orphans are faced with a variety of challenges, from living in poverty and dealing with a lack of food and resources to discrimination from their fellow village members. Throughout the story, they find creative ways to improve their lives as they pull together, building a family and a brighter possible future for themselves.
I enjoyed the storyline and reading about the various ways in which the orphans overcame their not-so-cheery situations. There are times when they have no control over their circumstances and moments in which they have choices that could improve or greatly impact their lives. I was often eager to read on and learn how they would handle each of the trials they faced.
One aspect I enjoyed while reading “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy was learning about the different animals presented throughout the book. I am a critter person, so when they are mentioned, I pay full attention. As I have never been to Africa, it was interesting to learn different facts about the animals they have vs those in the United States.
What intrigued me most while reading “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy was the characters' efforts to overcome their circumstances. There are many opportunities and reasons for the orphans to become bitter and angry and to give up. Instead, they make choices to persevere and each finds a way to use their unique talents to improve their lifestyles.
A struggle in reading this novel was that it had little action. This doesn’t make it a bad story, but it was challenging to stay engaged when dialogue was the only thing taking place. I was also surprised when the author changed from one main character to another at various points in the story. While this gave the book a unique touch, it also required the reader, myself, to recall who the current main character now was.
I would rate “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy four out of five stars. The novel has minimal action and drama, and the lengthy, plain conversations are difficult to stay engaged with. It is also confusing when the author shifts from one main character to another as the story continues. For these reasons, I did not give the novel a full five out of five stars.
However, the novel still provides an interesting, albeit laid-back, read appropriate for children and adults. From the start, the title itself draws a prospective reader in. Why are the characters orphaned? Why are they called “dumb”? Do they stay “dumb”? These questions intrigue someone searching for an interesting read. The author did well in choosing an easy-to-recall, yet attention-grabbing title.
The main storyline in the novel “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy is easy to understand. It is also based on a true story. The events being real vs fiction provide a deeper connection to the story. Hearing personal stories from those who experienced different times and faced different challenges can help create a better understanding of what things were like for those who were present. For these reasons, I give the novel a four.
******
"Dumb" Orphans
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
“Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy Review by Skyler Cahill
The novel “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy, by Allan Low, is an interesting read as the lives of a group of orphans unfold. The orphans are faced with a variety of challenges, from living in poverty and dealing with a lack of food and resources to discrimination from their fellow village members. Throughout the story, they find creative ways to improve their lives as they pull together, building a family and a brighter possible future for themselves.
I enjoyed the storyline and reading about the various ways in which the orphans overcame their not-so-cheery situations. There are times when they have no control over their circumstances and moments in which they have choices that could improve or greatly impact their lives. I was often eager to read on and learn how they would handle each of the trials they faced.
One aspect I enjoyed while reading “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy was learning about the different animals presented throughout the book. I am a critter person, so when they are mentioned, I pay full attention. As I have never been to Africa, it was interesting to learn different facts about the animals they have vs those in the United States.
What intrigued me most while reading “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy was the characters' efforts to overcome their circumstances. There are many opportunities and reasons for the orphans to become bitter and angry and to give up. Instead, they make choices to persevere and each finds a way to use their unique talents to improve their lifestyles.
A struggle in reading this novel was that it had little action. This doesn’t make it a bad story, but it was challenging to stay engaged when dialogue was the only thing taking place. I was also surprised when the author changed from one main character to another at various points in the story. While this gave the book a unique touch, it also required the reader, myself, to recall who the current main character now was.
I would rate “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy four out of five stars. The novel has minimal action and drama, and the lengthy, plain conversations are difficult to stay engaged with. It is also confusing when the author shifts from one main character to another as the story continues. For these reasons, I did not give the novel a full five out of five stars.
However, the novel still provides an interesting, albeit laid-back, read appropriate for children and adults. From the start, the title itself draws a prospective reader in. Why are the characters orphaned? Why are they called “dumb”? Do they stay “dumb”? These questions intrigue someone searching for an interesting read. The author did well in choosing an easy-to-recall, yet attention-grabbing title.
The main storyline in the novel “Dumb” Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy is easy to understand. It is also based on a true story. The events being real vs fiction provide a deeper connection to the story. Hearing personal stories from those who experienced different times and faced different challenges can help create a better understanding of what things were like for those who were present. For these reasons, I give the novel a four.
******
"Dumb" Orphans
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Advent of Time by Indignus Servus
