Book Review: The Other Hand by Chris Cleave
Compelling and Challenging New Novel by Author of Incendiary
With an enigmatic introduction by the publisher and tantalisingly vague back cover blurb, The Other Hand (Sceptre, 2008) by Chris Cleave is part thriller, part social commentary and part analysis of the human spirit, all mixed together with a subtle humour, pathos, horror and a glimpse of the complexity of everyday life. Titled The Other Hand for release in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the novel is entitled Little Bee in Canada and the US.
The Other Hand
Two female characters share the narration of The Other Hand in alternating chapters; Little Bee, a young Nigerian refugee and Sarah, a wife, mother and successful editor of a cutting edge women’s magazine. The easy to follow flow of past and present events gradually reveal the true nature of their relationship and the depth of their experiences both together and individually.
Sarah and Little Bee meet on a beach in Nigeria in a scene that is a defining moment for both women. The shockwaves from this event move through their lives with consequences that neither could have foreseen at the time.
As the cover blurb suggests, to know too many details undermines the gradual unfolding of the story. This is a book to read and ponder and to recommend to friends without sharing details.
A Novel of Everyday Life and Larger than Life Challenges
A story of contrasts that challenges attempts to allocate issues to a simple black and white world view, The Other Hand ensnares the interest of the reader. Haunted and challenged by some scenes and events, it is nevertheless difficult to put the book down.
Capable of moving readers to tears at times, the story is also incredibly beautiful and at times quite humorous. The true skill of the author is evident in the fact that the many emotions evoked by the story weave seamlessly together, so that each character and event brings together a range of emotions and thoughts that flow naturally into the next scene.
A novel of grief and grieving, it is also a celebration of life and the resilience of the human spirit. In addition to Little Bee and Sarah, other major characters are also damaged on many levels, yet an overall sense of triumph and strength in the face of tragedy and corruption remains.
Refugees, Isolation, Love and Friendships
Readers will find themselves considering not only the plight of refugees, but also the plight of individuals isolated from those around them through their own emotions, experiences and the rush and busyness of everyday life. The challenge to live a life of meaning and purpose in the western world where modern life is so often superficial and commercialised is one of many ideas put forward through the experiences of the central characters.
It is difficult to not come away changed by the story of Sarah and Little Bee. The Other Hand is a book that stirs within the reader the desire to be different and make a difference. Perhaps this is what keeps the pages turning despite the challenging images and events that unfold. It is a novel of bold themes balanced with subtlety and deft use of language and character.
Chris Cleave’s Debut Novel Incendiary
Cleave’s debut novel Incendiary (Knopf Publishing, 2005) about an al-Qa'ida suicide attack on London was published on the 7th July 2005, the day that suicide bombers launched terror attacks in London. The movie based on the novel starring Michelle Williams, Ewan McGregor and Matthew McFadyen will be released in the UK in late October 2008.
The Other Hand is a beautifully written novel that engages and challenges readers and ultimately leaves them yearning for the world to be a better place.
The Other Hand (ISBN: 978-0-340-96341-8, 355 pages)
Little Bee US Cover
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