Shenaaz Nanji,
Child of Dandelions
Second Story Press, 2008.

Rating: G*

Shenaaz Nanji takes the reader into the turmoil of Uganda during Idi Amin’s rule, in particular the 1972 expulsion of Indians from the country. Uganda is portrayed through the eyes of 15 year -old Sabine, who, like her parents, was born in that country and has lived in relative wealth compared to many Africans. Her best friend Zena is an African Ugandan and, as tensions rise, Sabine is forced to acknowledge the contrast in their living standards. Her beloved Uncle is kidnapped and murdered and her parents forced to flee. This leaves Sabine to fight for not only her own survival but also the welfare of her younger brother afflicted with Down’s Syndrome.

While witnessing the terror of those trying to flee, Sabine also sees clearly the unfair treatment of black Africans by her Indian community. Maturing quickly for her young age, Sabine must fight for her and her brother’s survival and ensure their reunification with their parents.

This is a powerful story of a sad time in African history, which unfortunately repeats itself to this day. Through Sabine’s experiences the reader can perhaps better understand the events that lead refugees to flee their country. Sabine’s growth from a naïve and self-centered teen to a determined, intelligent young adult is as heart-wrenching as it is heroic.

Thematic Links: Uganda; Refugees

Linda Irvine
Vol.14, number 2
December 2008

*Rating System:
E - Excellent, enduring, everyone should see it!
G - Good, even great at times, generally useful!
A - Average, all right, has its applications.
P - Problematic, puzzling, poorly presented.