Review of "Dumb" Orphans

[Manang Muyang]

Aiyasha seems to be more responsible than the powerful leaders featured in the book. In this turbulent time in the world's story, books like this are needed to give our young people the right examples of leadership. A good leader serves and uses power to empower those who are weak.

I am not too happy with the title, though. The use of dumb, even in quotation marks, seems inappropriate.

[Stephanie Gail Stephen]

This review resonated with me. Although I haven't read the book, I can clearly sense the emotional depth and significant messages that Allan Low conveys. The themes of resilience, injustice, and the quiet strength of those often overlooked are compelling and impactful. It's tragic that children have to confront such hardships, yet they still manage to cling to hope and grow. This is undoubtedly a powerful and essential story that brings attention to realities that deserve to be recognized.

[Milena kaschana]

I like that the book encourages and highlights that one needs resilience and determination in this world.It gives teenagers an young adults a real perspective on life and how power is abused.

[Milena kaschana]

I like that the book encourages and highlights that one needs resilience and determination in this world.It gives teenagers and young adults a real perspective on life and how power is abused.

[Nazma P]

This sounds like a heartfelt and thought-provoking read. I absolutely love and appreciate the massage this book is portraying. Taking care of seven children while being a fifteen years old? I don't even have words. A great book.

[Limpho Mojakisane]

I like how the review highlights the book’s strong message about resilience and fairness. It’s powerful that the orphans, especially Aiyasha and Sakhile, stayed hopeful and determined despite how badly they were treated. The contrast between selfish and selfless leaders also stood out to me. Sounds like a meaningful read for teens and adults alike.

[Gideon Adigun]

"Mankind has brought mankind to its ruin." How sad, despite the challenges, I am glad Elah's dream came true. No matter the condition we find ourselves resilience can help us scale through. Nice review.

[Diamond Igwesi]

I recommended this book to my students mid-lessons. This book contains the kind of themes we should encourage kids to explore: equality as against divisive class differences, human compassion and grit as was profoundly elaborated by young dreamy Elah.
The Bundu family were not just subjects of the readers sympathy but worthy of emulation in their abilities to make a better world for themselves. Congrats on BOTD.

[Jennifer Wilson 95]

"Dumb Orphans" sounds like an eye-opening experience for pre-teens and adults. It touches on some tough subjects like privilege, scarcity, inequality, hunger, and death. The author, Allan Low, started his own charity group in Africa that helps give orphaned children a quality education, so he is writing from personal experience and possibly eye-witness accounts. I'm glad the book goes beyond looking at all the evil in the world and focuses on resilience and determination—positive qualities that many people would benefit from developing. It’s the kind of story that stays with you and sparks real reflection.

[Elizabeth Humberstone]

This book looks very well reaserched and informative. While also being easy to read and appealing to a younger audience. The cover has incredible artwork and the overall lesson of the story is very important.

[Kiran Yadav 8]

Wow, this review really captures the heart of the book! I love how it highlights the themes of resilience, determination, and leadership. Definitely adding "Dumb" Orphans to my reading list. Sounds like a powerful and inspiring story!!!!!!!

[Syed Sadath Ali]

It is recommended for those who are looking for a children's book that blends emotional depth, cultural insight, and social themes, this is a strong pick especially for classroom discussion or family reading.

[Creole]

Great review. I'm particularly drawn to the book's potential to inspire determination and resilience in the face of challenges, making it a valuable literary text for schools. There are important lessons that we can all learn. The book encourages us to choose tolerance and equity over bias when necessary, which is a powerful message.

I'm looking forward to reading this book soon.

[Shan Mohammad]

"Dumb" Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Allan Low is a moving, adventurous, and thought-provoking novel that combines raw emotion with a vibrant portrayal of African life. Set in rural Zimbabwe, this trilogy follows a group of orphans as they navigate a world that often misunderstands and marginalizes them, particularly because they are labeled as "dumb"—not for any lack of intelligence, but due to society's inability to see beyond their circumstances.

At the heart of the story is a deep exploration of resilience, friendship, and identity. The Bundu Bunch, a tight-knit group of children, are forced to grow up quickly as they confront issues like poverty, discrimination, and survival. What makes this story shine is its focus on the strength and cleverness of these young characters. Despite being dismissed by many around them, they demonstrate courage, creativity, and heart in the face of immense challenges.

Allan Low writes with a clear affection for the characters and the land. His storytelling is rich with cultural detail, yet accessible for international readers. He does not romanticize the orphans' struggle, but neither does he strip them of agency. Instead, he gives them voices, dreams, and dignity.

The trilogy structure allows for deeper character development, and readers will find themselves deeply attached to the Bundu Bunch by the final chapter. While the title uses the word "Dumb" provocatively, the story itself is a powerful rebuke of such labeling—it shows us how society's prejudices can be far more limiting than the situations of those it judges.

Verdict:
A compelling read for young adults and adults alike, "Dumb" Orphans is an inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful journey. It's perfect for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, African literature, or tales of underdogs who fight back with wit and unity.

[Shan Mohammad]

"Dumb" Orphans: The Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Allan Low is a moving, adventurous, and thought-provoking novel that combines raw emotion with a vibrant portrayal of African life. Set in rural Zimbabwe, this trilogy follows a group of orphans as they navigate a world that often misunderstands and marginalizes them, particularly because they are labeled as "dumb"—not for any lack of intelligence, but due to society's inability to see beyond their circumstances.

At the heart of the story is a deep exploration of resilience, friendship, and identity. The Bundu Bunch, a tight-knit group of children, are forced to grow up quickly as they confront issues like poverty, discrimination, and survival. What makes this story shine is its focus on the strength and cleverness of these young characters. Despite being dismissed by many around them, they demonstrate courage, creativity, and heart in the face of immense challenges.

Allan Low writes with a clear affection for the characters and the land. His storytelling is rich with cultural detail, yet accessible for international readers. He does not romanticize the orphans' struggle, but neither does he strip them of agency. Instead, he gives them voices, dreams, and dignity.

The trilogy structure allows for deeper character development, and readers will find themselves deeply attached to the Bundu Bunch by the final chapter. While the title uses the word "Dumb" provocatively, the story itself is a powerful rebuke of such labeling—it shows us how society's prejudices can be far more limiting than the situations of those it judges.

Verdict:
A compelling read for young adults and adults alike, "Dumb" Orphans is an inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful journey. It's perfect for readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, African literature, or tales of underdogs who fight back with wit and unity.