Review of Zeru Zeru Girl

Eva Nyaburi · Post by **Eva Nyaburi** » 14 Oct 2023, 06:31

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Zeru Zeru Girl" by Barbara Kerr.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Samuel and Lily, a young couple living in Arusha, faced a challenging situation. Their beloved child, Annika, was at risk due to her albinism. They were aware that in Tanzania, albinos were often perceived as something other than humans, with some believing they were ghosts. Even more concerning was the belief that albinos possessed magical elements in their bodies, leading to the disturbing practice of capturing them and harvesting their organs. These distressing circumstances left Samuel and Lily deeply worried about the safety of their cherished daughter. Samuel hatched a plan to send Annika away with a visiting white couple who were returning to their home country. Samuel believed that raising Annika in a different country, far from the constant danger she faced in Tanzania, would be safer. However, Lily disagreed with his plan and intended to accompany the couple as Annika's nurse. To her shock and heartbreak, only Annika and the couple were allowed to board the plane when they reached the airport. Lily was left in disbelief, questioning the wisdom of Samuel's decision and its implications for their child. To learn about the fate of baby Annika and her parents' subsequent experiences, grab a copy of the book.

Kerr skillfully crafted the characters, bringing them to life on the pages. The characters are vividly depicted and seamlessly integrated into the narrative, making them feel remarkably real. The author's adept handling of critical themes such as the mistreatment of individuals with albinism and the harsh living conditions in war-torn countries, like Syria in this case, is commendable. The book sheds light on the often-overlooked cruelties faced by people in different parts of the world. While a work of fiction, it serves as an informative medium that raises awareness of various inhumane circumstances.

The book boasts numerous strengths, and I could not identify any weaknesses. The storyline is engaging, and the characters, especially Alex, who grapples with feelings of being an outsider and seeks answers about her origins, are deeply compelling. The book merits a five out of five-star rating for being flawlessly edited with no noticeable grammatical errors. It offers profound insights into various life issues and educates readers about the challenges faced by individuals with albinism, including the stigma, hardships, and dangers they confront, especially in certain African communities. The book serves as an eye-opener, bringing lesser-known aspects of the world to the forefront.

I recommend "Zeru Zeru Girl" by Barbara Kerr to readers who appreciate thought-provoking fiction. This book transports readers to places like Tanzania and Syria, allowing them to explore the difficulties faced by marginalized groups. It raises awareness and encourages readers to contemplate how they can make a positive impact.

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Zeru Zeru Girl
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Stephen Pokoo · Post by **Stephen Pokoo** » 16 Oct 2023, 08:11

The book cover and title drew me in at first glance. Your analysis of "Zeru Zeru Girl" indicates that you have a strong sense of reading. It is really admirable how well you have expressed your ideas and your views. Readers who are interested in this book will benefit greatly from your insightful and well-written analysis. Well done.

Chandrakant Patel · Post by **Chandrakant Patel** » 18 Oct 2023, 08:32

The review discusses the plot of a book where a couple, Samuel and Lily, face a challenging situation due to their daughter's albinism in Tanzania, where albinos are often perceived as non-human and at risk of harm.

Marina Flisvou · Post by **Marina Flisvou** » 27 Oct 2023, 12:16

Your detailed analysis and insightful commentary provide valuable insights into the book's themes, characters, and impact. Your description of the book's portrayal of the challenges faced by individuals with albinism in Tanzania and the disturbing beliefs and practices associated with it is deeply informative. It's evident that the book serves as an eye-opener, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the world and highlighting the struggles of marginalized groups. Your recommendation for readers who appreciate thought-provoking fiction is valuable and will help others discover "Zeru Zeru Girl." Thank you for your thoughtful and balanced review, and for your efforts in raising awareness about the book and its important messages.

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 20 Apr 2025, 05:46

Samuel and Lily are parents of a little girl with albinism. In many parts of the world these people are ostracised and the parents decisions are made with this in mind. The review is an excellent summary, giving the reader a good idea of the tone of the book.

Post by **Alida Spies** » 20 Apr 2025, 05:51

It is an act of unselfish love to give up one's child to ensure her safety. Superstition
can cause a lot of heartache and harm to others. It's great that inhunane practices are brought to light and can help to educate people.

Lauren Stjohn · Post by **Lauren Stjohn** » 20 Apr 2025, 06:09

A gripping decision delivered by Samuel and Lily to separate from their daughter. The review introduces a perception of suspense and desire to read the book. The author lays out an imagination to weave a plot surrounding suspense, loyalty, family pain, and the exploration of a life journey with autism. Thank you for the care used in writing this review.

Post by **Mr Benj** » 20 Apr 2025, 06:11

Zeru Zeru Girl" by Barbara Kerr, a book that features a couple and their child with albinism. It will be great to find out how they coped living in Tanzania and the beliefs on albinism. This is an interesting book to read.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 20 Apr 2025, 06:33

I did not know about the stigma around albinism, this book will be an eye-opener for me. How heartbreaking it must be for Lily to let her daughter leave without her being allowed to go with her. I appreciate that the book makes people contemplate about how they can make a positive difference.

Diamond Igwesi · Post by **Diamond Igwesi** » 20 Apr 2025, 06:36

I didn't know they were other African countries apart from mine where such beliefs are rampant. It is sad seeing what sheer ignorance of basic biology has and is causing us. And i hope that this book goes viral so that people all over the world would know what albinos are going through in certain regions of the world.
Congrats on BOTD.

Aurora Rose Reynolds · Post by **greeneyedgirl27** » 20 Apr 2025, 06:42

This review is well written and informative. The book "Zeru Zeru Girl" by Barbara Kerr follows the story of Alex a young girl with Albinism. The struggles and stigmas in Tanzania of people with Albinism is a unique story. This shows the dangers and hardships of this young girl. Also the parents love for their child to get her to safety no matter the cost. Receiving a 5 star rating promises insight and inspires readers to educate them selves about issues they may not be aware of. This is a great review and great BOTD!

Post by **Sushan Ekanayake** » 20 Apr 2025, 06:49

"Zeru Zeru Girl" by Barbara Kerr tells the heartbreaking story of a Tanzanian couple forced to make an unthinkable decision to protect their albino daughter from horrific superstitions and violence. A powerful novel that blends love, sacrifice, and social justice. Congratulations on being BOTD!

Post by **Maria Rider** » 20 Apr 2025, 07:16

It seems this is a fascinating read on a topic that is not often explored. I am curious about the author’s connection to albinism, as well as their research.

Joe Alex 2 · Post by **Joe Alex 2** » 20 Apr 2025, 07:23

I like how the story brings attention to the real-life dangers faced by people with albinism, it’s heartbreaking but important. The mix of emotional family struggles and harsh realities made it feel both eye-opening and powerful.

Kelly Kimbrell 1 · Post by **Kelly Kimbrell 1** » 20 Apr 2025, 07:30

Your review of this book is enough to entice the reader, but not too much to tell the whole story. You have done an excellent job at telling details to make someone want to read this book and discover what this story is all about. I appreciate the details about albinism, as I was not aware of the stigma of it. I will definitely be reading "Zeru, Zeru Girl" after reading you review.