Malini
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 October 29, 2015
Author Robert Hillman, edited by Lyn White
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ISBN: 9781743312551
Publisher: A & U Children
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Website: http://www.allenandunwin.com
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This book is the latest in the series, “Through my eyes”. Other books for younger readers, deal with the drug wars in Mexico, unrest in Afghanistan, and conflict in Somalia. Because these books are works of fiction, described through young person’s eyes, they are simple, straight forward, and chillingly unadorned. They are a lesson in History, Geography, Politics and world peace, rolled into one eminently readable story.
As a young student aged 14, Malini watched the boys from as young as 12 years, taken from her school, and called soldiers. One morning her village was woken at dawn by soldiers; they were told to leave their houses and gather in the streets. They were to be marched to the coast, and used as a human shield against the opposition. Malini’s father made her grab her younger sister’s hand, and slip into the forest, which grew up to the road side. He told her to walk west to her grandfather’s house, and her father and mother would call her there. He gave Malini money.
During the days that followed, there was danger at every turn, and Malini had to make choices that an adult would struggle with. She came across a small group of orphans who were cared for by Buddhist monks. The monks were all slaughtered in front of the children. She now had to lead this band of frighted children across a highway busy with trucks and soldiers. She also had to help the group cross a fast flowing river, where they encountered a very frightened boy soldier. He tried to join the group.
Although this story is a work of fiction, it is totally plausible, and an engaging read. Some of the actions can be explained, such as the very young boys, who shoot to kill at random. Their eyes reveal a drugged and an unaware soul.
The love of family, and the terrible outcome of war, were both explored in this novel. Many adults would be unaware of basic facts surrounding the war between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan Army. This book is a gentle but factual way of informing and spot lighting this period of History.