Supriya's Banter
The Other Side of Truth
Author: Beverly Naidoo
Publisher: Puffin (6 July 2017)
Language: English
Paperback: 368 pages
What would you do if the life you knew changed overnight? One moment, you’re snuggling next to your mother, revelling in her comfortable scent, and the next moment, you are out on the streets of a foreign country and treated worse than thieves and beggars.
When you have nothing but fear and apprehension filling your pockets. That’s exactly what happens to Sade and Femi, two siblings whose world turns upside down in The Other Side of Truth.
The story begins in Nigeria, where their father is a fearless journalist taking pride in exposing the truth, even if it means becoming a burr in the ruling government’s saddle. And then, the unthinkable happens—the mother bags the bullet meant for their father. The children are bundled up into a plane and flown to London, all with fake passports and pretend names. But the move is best summed up as jumping from the frying pan into the fire.
Their uncle, who’s supposed to take them in, isn’t anywhere in sight. The paid escort does a moonlight flit even before the children notice. And then, they are alone in a foreign city. A city that at first is hellbent on showing its ugly and seamier side.
The fast-paced narrative and gripping writing pull you into Sade’s fear and confusion. The quiet determination warms your heart.
After many highs and lows, things get sorted, and the book ends on a hopeful note.
The story isn’t just about escaping danger—it’s about finding courage, about the battles of being a refugee, and about holding onto your truth even when telling lies feels more convenient.
Sade is strong, but she’s also just a kid, and Naidoo’s powerful writing doesn’t let you forget that, even for a minute.
Naidoo captures the siblings’ emotions with Elan. While Sade struggles with a bellyful of dread, anxiety, and loneliness, Femi closes down. The siblings wrestle with circumstances that overwhelm them even when things seem to reach a plateau. But there’s always a spark of hope. However tiny, however short-lived.
The Other Side of Truth is one of those books that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
It’s real and raw! One that splinters at your heart, more so because it involves young children dealing with something that one would wish to take away if they could.
An easy yet emotional and impactful read.
