Highly recommended for all high school libraries. The Year the Gypsies Came provides teachers with opportunities to discuss world history, politics, geography, folklore, cultural traditions, oral traditions, and so much more. While readers must contend with much that is sad and horrifying (child abuse, a rape, apartheid horrors), the book is emotionally satisfying and surprisingly uplifting, without ever hitting a false note. The characters are vivid, three dimensional creations that convince readers of their humanity. The mounting problems avoid any hint of contrivance and sweep the reader along. Set in apartheid South Africa, this powerful and lyrically written novel is Linzi Glass's debut.As twelve-year-old Emily Iris explains it, her mother and father have always been eager to take in travelers and vagabonds, relying on the presence of outsiders to ease the tension between them. Glass’s novel is that rare book that provides an insider look into other cultures without losing the narrative voice of 12-year-old Emily. Their Zulu, night watchman, Buza, and his stories are the “honey-glue” that keeps Emily centered and sane. divided world of South Africa in 1976, from Linzi Glass, author of the acclaimed The Year the Gypsies Came. When they take in a racist and abusive wildlife photographer and family, their problems mount exponentially. Unable to communicate with one another, Emily’s parents take in guests to avoid problems. Set in apartheid South Africa, this novel tells the story of Emily and her family. When the first novel is lyrically written, powerful, and a possible Printz winner, I get goose bumps. It is always a distinct pleasure to read an author’s first novel.
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