THE BUSHBABIES

by William Stevenson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1965

When, in the atmosphere of changing Africa, Jackie Rhodes' father is forced to leave his job in Kenya and return to England, Jackie's one request is that she be allowed to take Kaman, her pet bushbaby, a lovable and rare little animal. On the boat she suddenly becomes frightened when she cannot find the government permit and impulsively takes Kaman off the ship. On the deck she meets Tembo, the family's former headman, and the somewhat contrived beginning leads to an adventure story with dimensions as the loyal old friend leads Jackie skillfully through the wildest country in Kenya. It is a four day battle of wits and strength against savage animals, tropical weather, and most terrifyingly, men convinced that Tembo has kidnapped the white girl. The implications of what ""black man"" means to the white mind are obvious. The author conveys the African beautifully as a man of loyalty, courtesy, and courage--qualities learned in his tribe rather than in the white world. Suspense is high as the two race against time and while the story's end is happy and right , it is not without the thought that in real life all is not always just.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1965

Categories: FICTION