From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-Born near Bangkok but ethnically Chinese, Siamese twins Eng and Chang acquired U.S. citizenship in 1839 and assumed the surname Bunker. They not only survived for 63 years attached by a five-inch long ligament, but also led versatile and fulfilling lives. Collins presents a lively portrait of these unique brothers who traveled throughout the world, met heads of state, settled down as farmers in North Carolina, married sisters, fathered a total of 21 children, and even worked for P.T. Barnum. Often called freaks, the Bunkers dealt with humiliating situations but never succumbed to the degradation of other "living curiosities"; in fact, they usually enjoyed celebrity status. While this readable portrayal successfully depicts the men's days on the exhibition circuit and their lives as Southern gentlemen, it offers little on the psychological implications of living as congenitally united twins. Also, the dialogue isn't documented, and there is no bibliography. Clearly reproduced engravings and black-and-white photographs illustrate the text.
Pat Katka, San Diego Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Pat Katka, San Diego Public Library
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
