TINA-LOUISE SMITH reviews two novels for young readers: The Bughouse by Lesley Milne (David Philip Publishers, R33,95) and The Girl Who Wanted to Be an Actress by Chris van Wyk (Maskew Miller Longman, R21,99)
THE Bughouse is 140 pages of compelling reading. The bright cover and paperback presentation promise an interesting journey. Set in present-day Johannesburg, the novel deals with topical concerns and tries to make them more immediate.
Racism, street children and child molestation are the issues which confront the characters in the novel (three siblings and three friends between the ages of 8 and 20, who hang out in a clubhouse in the back garden). Each character reacts differently to the problems which arise. Sometimes they work together, sometimes independently, towards a common solution, namely peace within their clubhouse.
The children have distinctly different personalities and most of us could recognise ourselves or our friends in them. The familiarity of the characters works well in making the reader empathise with them, and hopefully develops his or her sensitivity to others.
Kevin, the narrator, for example, is perceptive about the people around him but too laid back to interfere when necessary. As the story unfolds, the facts start to trouble him and his reluctance to get off his butt makes him the perfect anti-hero. Pressure from those around him and his conscience eventually make him reach out and even express himself passionately.
All the characters are likeable. Those we think are bad turn out to have underlying problems or are misunderstood, and in the end we forgive them their apparent sins. The only character who is initially annoying to the reader is Jay. He is the 19-year-old black engineering student who is simply too good to be true: sensitive, patient, insightful, caring, understanding and politically correct. Everybody likes him.
Although the characters are affected by some of the sinister goings-on around them, not much really happens at the bughouse. The story is about people and how they deal with each other, not about events. The strength of the characters is evident not from great feats but from the more subtle sensitivity and understanding they show in teamwork and individual actions.
At times The Bughouse is a bit tame because nothing happens to the narrator and his family directly. It is the niggling uneventfulness of life that forces us to act in the long run. This underlying message has a decided impact and makes the story more instructive than is initially evident. The Bughouse will keep readers from 10 to 14 years engrossed and teach them something about relationships too.
In The Girl Who Wanted to Be an Actress Mr Sibidi says: ”Phone 666-999. My number’s the same, even if you hold that card upside-down.” You know he is right, but you turn the book upside-down anyway and smile at the confirmation. This is one example of the fun activities this novel holds. Puns and malapropisms come up in conversation between the characters, which guarantees many laughs. The word plays are a natural part of the language acquisition process the children in the story — and real children — go through. They are enjoyable and educational. The odd use of words is bound to confuse readers, but repeated readings of sentences help to clarify meanings, leaving readers satisfied with their achievements.
Illustrations are always fun and these also show the word plays. They are colourful and interesting and easily seduce the reader to spend much time examining them. In the introduction we meet the key characters and members of the Songololo gang. Strangely, one character who appears on more pages than anyone else, including the cover, is not introduced. He is a theatrical white mouse who is always where the action is. He never says anything but sharp eyes are sure to spot his antics and anticipate his next appearance.
The girl mentioned in the title, Gail, only features marginally in the book. She is spoilt and craves the limelight, in a story primarily about friendship and sharing. Gail throws all this away for the promise of her name in lights. It is the newest member of the Songololo gang, Tselane, who saves the day.
The Girl Who Wanted to Be an Actress is a fun read that encourages sensitivity by example. Good for ages seven to 10.
— The Teacher/Mail & Guardian, February 28, 2000.
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