Review of "Dumb" Orphans

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 20 Jun 2025, 21:34

I've purchased the book and it's on my 'to read' list. I think young adult fiction is vitally important and teens will get a lot from the story of Aiyasha and her family.

Captain Redux · Post by **Captain Redux** » 20 Jun 2025, 21:55

Although the review I read outlines the several worthwhile themes and lessons found in this trilogy, it barely addresses the tone of the book and the narrative voice, both of which I found quite confusing in the small sample I read.

I kept going back to double-check the ages of the narrator and his cousins, who spoke and acted well beyond their years. It might have better served the story to be written from the point of view of the narrator as the adult he clearly was, reflecting on his childhood as one of the "Dumb Orphans", rather than a seven year old telling the story of his present circumstances.

That said, those circumstances were quite compelling and I would definitely have continued reading about the orphaned Bundu bunch and their lives in the Bundami Valley had the sample been longer.

Bettny Andrade · Post by **Bettny Andrade** » 20 Jun 2025, 22:09

This book tells a children's story that can be a good option for teaching empathy, loyalty, and friendship. The book tells the story of an orphan girl who has to take care of seven other children at the age of 15, all of whom are caught up in a very precarious situation, but despite everything, they always look for the good in things. A very good recommendation for today #BOTD

Post by **Seetha E** » 21 Jun 2025, 00:04

I read this book. It beautifully illustrates what one can achieve when they choose to take action instead of dwelling on what they were denied. A story that empowers and inspires.
Thank you for an amazing review!

Post by **twinkle09** » 21 Jun 2025, 00:28

'The Bundu Bunch' is a heart warming tale of a group of orphaned children in Southern Africa who face discrimination and poverty by their village headman. Their resilience to attain education to lift their future from poverty is cheering to read. I would like to read the books. Thank you for a beautiful review!

Dayana Alvarado 1 · Post by **Dayana Alvarado 1** » 21 Jun 2025, 00:39

Aiyasha had no official position or authority but she was more of a leader than many adults, simply because she cared about others.

Dinesh Sharma 5 · Post by **Dinesh Sharma 5** » 21 Jun 2025, 01:24

The novel highlights themes of resilience, leadership, and the power of education, while also showcasing the realities of life for some children in that part of the world. It's good for teens.

Post by **Idah_Kenei** » 21 Jun 2025, 01:31

Life isn't always fair. But with determination, resilience and hope a bright future is always possible..

Post by **Anu Anand** » 21 Jun 2025, 01:44

Aiyasha stepping up to care for others at fifteen shows incredible resilience. The theme of determination, especially through characters like Sakhile, sounds truly inspiring. Looking forward to reading this one. Congrats on BOTD!

Post by **Ngozi Onyibor** » 21 Jun 2025, 02:14

"Dumb" Orphans" is a profound exploration of human behavior and how privileged people treat those less fortunate than them in society.

Allan Low, the author, also does a beautiful job of showing that with hard work and resilience anyone can achieve anything they want through the life of the orphans.

Post by **Amy_Jackson** » 21 Jun 2025, 03:05

It can be tough being orphaned at a young age, and not being cared by the ones you've been entrusted to. It's even more challenging when others around you regard you as 'dumb'. I'm glad for the role Aiyasha played.

Jack Winnick · Post by **mrlefty0706** » 21 Jun 2025, 03:05

"Dumb" Orphans: A Bundu Bunch Trilogy by Alan Low is a story about the children that were orphaned when their parents died from AIDS in South Africa. Aiyasha is the main character and she was orphaned at age 15 and was given the responsibility of caring for seven other orphans that were all suffering from lack of food, bad living conditions and a poor education. Sadly, their mothers died from Aids while working in a factory trying to earn money to help their children. Other privileged children called the Bundu Bunch dumb so they were resilient and determined to prove them wrong. Egocentric leaders do not care about the people and show their true stripes when they gain power. The blacks of South Africa turned on other blacks because they saw an opportunity to gain power and they would do anything to do so. Sounds like the political leader wannabes we are dealing with today in the U.S. These poor orphans are left to fend for themselves by the people that were supposed to protect them. In South Africa there has not been a great leader since Nelson Mandella. Dictators have run the country and took advantage of the people. Sound like a cowardly man that ran for president in 2024 that is a white supremacist that hates minorities and DEI programs. I have been to South Africa and saw how poorly the blacks were treated even though their president was black and he was a dictator who committed many crimes that he has not yet been held accountable for the fraud, theft and human abuse. This is an excellent story about how underprivileged can overcome their situations and succeed in life as long as they have the determination to succeed. This is an inspirational story that should be read by teenagers and their parents.

Asia Crosslin · Post by **Asia Crosslin** » 21 Jun 2025, 03:46

Thank you for your powerful review. You captured the core of "Dumb" Orphans—that every child deserves dignity, care, and a chance to thrive. Aiyasha's journey reflects deep resilience and leadership, even in the harshest conditions. Allan Low’s portrayal of power, injustice, and systemic neglect hits hard and urges accountability. Your words honor that truth.

Janet Kimetto · Post by **Janet Kimetto** » 21 Jun 2025, 03:47

Set in southern Africa, this inspiring story follows a group of orphaned children as they struggle to overcome unfair treatment from their community as well as being labeled as "dumb." The story shows that one can achieve anything through resilience and determination. Congrats on BOTD!