Books › The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm
The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm
a novel
First published 1994 · 477 pages
A vibrant, futuristic chase through a reimagined Zimbabwe where ancient mythology and high-tech dystopia collide.
What it feels like
This Afrofuturist adventure reads like a breathless chase through a vividly reimagined twenty-second-century Zimbabwe, blending high-tech dystopia with deep-rooted Shona mythology. The pace is brisk and propulsive, pulling readers through bustling, dangerous cityscapes alongside three sheltered siblings who are rapidly waking up to the harsh realities of their world. The mood shifts from wondrous and quirky to genuinely tense as the children encounter both marvels and exploitation, pursued by a trio of mutant detectives whose unique sensory powers add a layer of eccentric charm. The prose is sensory and imaginative, painting a world that feels both ancient and futuristic. It is a perfect fit for readers who crave inventive world-building, strong sibling dynamics, and a coming-of-age journey that balances humor with real stakes.
- Mood
- vibrant
- bustling
- tense
- wondrous
- Tone
- adventurous
- humorous
- satirical
- earnest
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- clash of tradition and technology · loss of innocence · sibling loyalty · privilege and inequality
- The writing
- Vivid and sensory-rich, seamlessly weaving futuristic concepts with traditional folklore and mythology.
- The arc
- Moves from sheltered naivete through a series of frightening, eye-opening trials to a grounded sense of maturity and familial connection.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love inventive, culturally rich world-building and quirky, high-stakes adventures with a lot of heart.
Content notes
- kidnapping
- child exploitation
- mild peril
- class inequality
About the book
From the Publisher: The year is 2194, and Tendai, his brother, and his sister-the children of Zimbabwei's chief of security-have escaped from their father's estate to explore the dangerous city of Harare. The Ear, the Eye and the Arm was a Newbery Honor Book, an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, an ALA Notable Children's Book, a BCCB Blue Ribbon Book, and received a Golden Kite Award, and a Parents' Choice Award. It received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly and The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books.
Description from Open Library.
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