27/09/2026
September’s Cosy Club Read
“Katumba” - J.V. Phaure reviewed by booksonthehill
“Katumba can't have been an easy story to write, with so many emotional situations laying within the pages. I wasn't prepared when I turned one particular page, and found myself in tears...if you know, you know.
The landscape of Africa is created perfectly though the senses. The smells, the sights and the sounds of the village totally transport you into the heart of the story. I had such a vivid picture in my mind the whole way through. I could see it all.
These two innocent children represent the sad truth for so many. Following the story of Abrihet and Amanuel from their time in their village, to their escape and all that follows..it's inconceivable that this is the reality for so many people.
Thank goodness for Katumba and the relationships he formed. We needed a little playfulness to break up the tension..
And the elephants...loved that part so much.
A strong sense of freedom, home and belonging runs throughout the book. The little things very soon become the big things when all else is lost.
With life affirming characters, African landscapes, stone skimming, pencil shavings and friendship...this book will break your heart and then slowly warm it right back. So many beautiful little moments that will stay with me..the locket being the first one that springs to my mind.
For every character and situation the children face that brings heart breaking cruelness to the story, we are met with characters full of kindness, who fill your heart back up. The tenderness of some these characters was just beautiful. There was a sense of right vs wrongs and which will prevail.
This story deserves to be heard, as within the fictional characters lies the truth for so many children and families in the world right now.
And it is this unbelievable reality, that I found so poignant - and this will be my lasting memory of this book.” Kathryn Hill booksonthehill