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Showing 1-10 of 12 reviews(Verified Purchases). See all 14 reviews
on April 4, 2017
Spirit counts for so much in fiction, and Elizabeth McKenzie is as spirited as it gets when it comes to memorable characters. The time is 1953, the place Southern Rhodesia, the tensions between native populations and the white ruling class growing. Like any child, Elizabeth can't help seeing the world through the lens of her parents, to some degree, even as her instincts tell her something different. Fortunately, she has enough innocence and moxie to trust her instincts. The landscape Rossandra White draws us into—the baobab trees and dusty roads, the shafts of sunlight through a rainstorm that signal the magic of a monkey’s wedding— is as evocative as it is vivid. And like the best of novels that straddle the YA/adult fiction fence, "Monkey's Wedding" lets the wisdom of innocence ring through a complicated politic and cultural scenario. Central to the narrative is Elizabeth’s relationship with Turu, the son of a man who works for her family. Devoted to his grandmother, a high priestess of the Shona people who sees his destiny as a healer and spell maker, he is himself caught in the clash of cultures. In coupling Elizabeth’s spirited nature with the spirit world she gets glimpses of via Turu and his grandmother, Rossandra White casts her own storytelling spell.
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on April 11, 2017
Excellent book. I love books that teach me about cultures I am unfamiliar with, and this one did a superb job of that. Set in Rhodesia during a time when a federation was being set up (forgive me if I got that wrong), it shows the world through the eyes of two children: one white, one black. You see a little of the mounting political tension between the black and white through things Elizabeth hears (from adults or the radio), but mostly that is the backdrop to the story. Where the story shines is in all its myths and folklore that come to life. The world around Elizabeth and Turu is vivid, from the red dust to the trees. It's a world where magic is real and "monkey wedding" wishes can come true. Amidst all the hate and racism, hope and love shine through. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about Africa.
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on February 1, 2017
I love Monkey's Wedding! It evokes memories of a period of time and countries where there was so much political upheaval but it is viewed through the innocent eyes of teenagers who have other priorities and view life through a more simple lens. I thought the story was well thought out and the details transport you to that place and time. It is gripping and at times I couldn't put it down! I would recommend it highly!
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on January 25, 2017
This is a book that I voted for and received on kindle scout. This is a very beautiful story of friendship between two children. One boy and one girl. One black and one white. At a very turbulent time in history. It is so beautifully told. A very moving story. I so enjoyed it. This story takes you to a very different place in history where the unusual becomes believable. I highly recommend this book.
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on February 25, 2017
Having lived in Zambia this book was amazing. From the time I started to read it was hard to put it down. Very vivid descriptions. The characters came to life. I was right there following, smelling the flowers seeing the trees.
She tells the story so well and with such great descriptions I would recommend this to anyone to read.
Thank you for giving me back some amazing memories and seeing things as they were through your eyes. Great book.
Emmy Jones
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on February 16, 2017
I loved reading Monkey's Wedding! Elizabeth a young white preteen and Tuturu a teenage black slave boy had a special, yet normal child relationship. Their enjoyment together although hampered by parental scrutiny, brought a fresh sense of hope and courage for a world that is still so obviously hung up on the race card. I laughed, I cried and couldn't put it down! But most importantly I learned what a " Monkey's Wedding" really is... rainbows, wishes and all!
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on February 13, 2017
White brings us to 1953 Southern Rhodesia with its magical rainstorms, amulets, hibiscus hedges, and exotic flora in a heart-felt story brimming with tension. Elizabeth and Turu, the two children in the evocative story, capture our hearts and leave us brimming with hope.
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on May 18, 2017
I very much enjoyed reading this book! It's magical & filled with hope for the world. I will read it again.
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on April 11, 2017
I loved this book. The character development was simple and impeccable. I felt that I was there, on the Veld with Elizabeth, experiencing everything she did. The book is magical-in many senses of the word.
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on April 20, 2017
Beautiful book for those who enjoy reading about Africa, a story of trust and friendship between a girl and a boy in the 1950's .....well written... I look forward to reading more from this author.
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