Out of The Shadows

WALLACE, JASON OUT OF SHADOWSAndersen Press (Ages 14+)
ISBN: 9781849390484

This story is set in the 1980’s as Robert Mugabe came to power in Zimbabwe. The conflict between white settlers and native Africans are apparent, as is the fear and violence of the country at that time. The conflict between the Shona tribe and the Matabele tribe is another source of racial tension within the novel. Matabele are in the minority, and Mugabe is Shona. Therefore the Matabele are very badly treated. There is also conflict between the British settlers and the Afrikaners, as well as between the schoolboys themselves.

There is institutionalised violence at the school, and that spills over into the boy’s every day life.  One boy even voices the fact that is ‘normal’ to be beaten by your father or older brother. Mugabe’s soldiers are seen at various intervals patrolling the area and shooting people. The police are also violent. The boys grow up with this outlook, and they are not shocked by the most savage things, and expect that poor black people who are Matabele will be maimed, raped, and even killed. Only Robert Jacklin, from whose perspective the story is told, realises how indoctrinated it all is, and how wrong. This is because he spent his early childhood in Britain and was therefore not as susceptible as the other boys. All through the book we hear his conscience, but even he spends part of the time carried away with the violent and prejudicial status quo. This is mostly due to good old-fashioned peer pressure, and an increasing sense of isolation as his father becomes a workaholic and his mother dies of alcoholism.

The story is a fascinating glimpse into the politics and culture of the area in a time of real change and struggle. It is also an insight into traditional public schooling, those supposedly superior places. Every page contains violence or offensive remarks directed atone character or another. It is certainly not for the squeamish to read. However, some teenagers are able to cope with the subject matter, and it is important that these lessons are not lost and forgotten, and that we remember what actually happened. The book is very evocative and the characters are so well drawn that as a reader I feel some sympathy for even the worst offenders. The reasons for a character’s behaviour are explained, and whilst not an excuse, they are certainly food for thought. It gives teenagers a chance to understand that every situation is made up of shades of grey, that there is no black and white. That statement is all the more appropriate given the novel’s subject matter.

All in all it is a good book with good aspirations. It is fiercely honest and therefore not for everyone. 6/10

What I have learned;

·        To represent both sides of any issue so that it gives the reader food for thought.

·        Use real life events to inspire writing.