The Ghosts & Jamal
Published on 22. February 2018
Book
Paperback/Softback
202 pages
978-1-908446-63-3 (ISBN)
Description
The Ghosts and Jamal is an intriguing story, touching on religion, terrorism and Nigeria's internal conflicts, following a young orphan who is negotiating an unforgiving society. Waking up in the aftermath of a terrorist attack, 13-year-old Jamal tries to piece together what has happened whilst simultaneously trying to evade capture by the attackers. It soon becomes clear that he has been living in a separate outhouse from his family on account of the "bad spirits" or rather his epilepsy that plagues him.
As he wanders around his family's compound, he comes across red canisters leaking yellow gas, which he works out were the weapon that killed his family. With his family dead, he begins to search for his grandfather who he hardly knows; when his grandfather turns him away Jamal keeps walking. On the way he meets prejudice, exploitation and friendship, before finally discovering that it is people, not ghosts, that have killed his family, and they have plans to keep on killing.
As he wanders around his family's compound, he comes across red canisters leaking yellow gas, which he works out were the weapon that killed his family. With his family dead, he begins to search for his grandfather who he hardly knows; when his grandfather turns him away Jamal keeps walking. On the way he meets prejudice, exploitation and friendship, before finally discovering that it is people, not ghosts, that have killed his family, and they have plans to keep on killing.
Reviews / Votes
'This is a clever story that releases its secrets slowly. With big ideas and lots of heart, it pulls you in and then - whack! What a great ending!' (Melvin Burgess); 'Jamal is a compelling and a resourceful hero in a world that tells him he doesn't belong. A beautifully written tale of survival and bravery.' (Patrice Lawrence); 'Rare and original voice, compelling with fine flashes of humour and compassion' (Paul Bryers) 'Pacy and moving. I couldn't stop reading' Rebecca Smith `This is a great book, quite challenging at times, and brings you directly to life in West Africa and the challenging time for anyone with autism or epilepsy. The concept of bad spirits is pretty frightening and an awareness grows that a sudden epileptic attack could leave Jamal in a very bad place. But it doesn't and the surprise at the end of the book is terrific!' (Books Go Walkabout); `Jamal's story is hard-hitting and deeply thought-provoking novel that seamlessly combines contemporary issues and ethics alongside a totally enthralling and pacy plot' (Jake Hope, Youth Libraries Group, Chair) ; `Intriguing, engaging and thought-provoking from start to finish' (Reading Zone)More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HopeRoad Publishing Ltd
Target group
Young adult
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
282 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-908446-63-3 (9781908446633)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Bridget Blankley spent most of her early life in Nigeria. She
worked as an engineer, educator, and full-time carer before
coming late to writing; her first piece of fiction was published in
her early 50s. Her fiction, however, has since gone on to win
several prizes including 2013 Winchester Writing Can be Murder
and Commonword Children's Writing Competition 2016. In the
same year, she was runner up for the Thomas Gray Anniversary
Poetry Competition as well as runner up for the 2017 Alpine
Fellowship Writing Prize.
worked as an engineer, educator, and full-time carer before
coming late to writing; her first piece of fiction was published in
her early 50s. Her fiction, however, has since gone on to win
several prizes including 2013 Winchester Writing Can be Murder
and Commonword Children's Writing Competition 2016. In the
same year, she was runner up for the Thomas Gray Anniversary
Poetry Competition as well as runner up for the 2017 Alpine
Fellowship Writing Prize.