Tiny Sunbirds far away- Christie Watson
Set in Nigeria, this novel is narrated by 12 year old Blessing. Like other novels told from the perspective of a child (for example, The God of small things; To kill a mocking bird), her innocence and directness helps us view the world and its events, at times beautiful or funny and at other times shocking, anew and without judgment.
Blessing lives a relatively privileged life with her mother, father and 14 year old brother Ezekiel in a secure apartment block. Her parents go out to work and she and her brother attend the International School for Future Leaders. This lifestyle changes when her father has an affair and subsequently leaves the family. There follows a quick chain of events which result in Blessing, Ezekiel and their mother leaving Lagos to go and live in the countryside with their grandparents.
In the countryside, the children experience humanity and inhumanity both within and out with the protection of their family. It is a novel of contrasts, in particular the contrasts of personality traits within one person. For example, their grandfather is portrayed as a proud, and a times ridiculous man (he believes Marmite is a cure for anything). But he shows great kindness and also great cruelty. Similarly, their grandmother (initially distant to Blessing but ultimately her educator and guide) is a force for good within the community. However she also commits, what Blessing sees as, a betrayal.
The compound within which they live is a small community. The interdependencies of the people who live there are described eloquently. Even the minor characters are described with care and depth. However, outside the compound there are other elements demanding attention. Blessing’s mother goes out to work long hours and is less and less available to the children; Ezekiel’s health issues take them away from the compound, as does the local school. There is also the increasing presence of young militia groups (or gunboys) such as the Sibeye boys .
This is a powerful, funny and at times challenging novel. The warmth and complexities of the characters and the variety in the plot make this a highly recommended read.
