The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm

I've read a lot of science fiction and fantasy and a lot of children's literature over the years. This book is going onto my list of all-time favorites.I've often longed for a SFF book that featured black protagonists who were not just background, or sidekicks, or stereotypes, or symbolic of an ideal, etc. The protagonists in this book are children with both faults and admirable qualities--just what I've been looking for---and adults who have the same blend of good and bad, childishness and maturity, which makes them real enough to engage with. The characters, though reasonably realistic, still have a larger than life appeal that makes for great fantasy fiction.The fantasy elements were integral, not just patched into the story to give it the flavor of otherness. I especially loved the curious blend of high tech science fiction elements and what I believe to be fantastical elements rooted in real African traditional beliefs.Best of all, the writing is of great quality. The author understands how to plot, how to choose words carefully, and how to create characters with whom the readers will want to go on this journey.In short, the novel is fantastic.

I read this with my 11 year old daughter who normally doesn't read sci-fi or action. This book was a fun read that adequately introduced us to necessary Zimbabwe cultures we needed to read this book along the way (without sounding like a social study's lesson). At first, I thought the main character was the 13 year old boy, but as we keep reading, we discovered that there are really two main characters. There were enough interesting ups and downs in the story to keep us engaged the whole time we read it. Certain comic reliefs were a bit too silly, but overall, we enjoyed the book very much.

Transitions were very confusing at times. I did not know I had even switched to a different character, scenario, or location until the end of the page or paragraph. Overall a good read.

I started reading this when visiting my grandson who is almost 7. His dad was reading a chapter a night. I took over during the visit and had to buy it and devour it after returning home.I am not sure how it reads to the very young. Like other great fantasy, there is great darkness and struggle in the book. But also growth and personal understanding and joy.

This excellent book from Nancy Farmer shows this author's broad range of talent! My children love her other titles, The House of Scorpion and The Sea of Trolls. When they learned that this book was also by Ms. Farmer, they were immediately interested! I appreciate the author's ability to transport the reader to another time, place and culture, and to make other cultures' beliefs and customs easy to understand. As born-again Christians, our family has had many lively discussions after reading Ms. Farmer's books. I highly recommend this book, and the others, by Ms. Farmer. She develops the main characters well, she adds other interesting characters and settings, and there is always a sense of morality, right and wrong that comes not from what each character feels is right to himself but from some other deeper belief in an Absolute Truth.

I read most of this book in fourth grade, then lost it. Im twenty years old now, and every so often, since the time i first read it, I've actually thought "Boy that was a great book, I should re-read it ... and finish it this time." It took me till three weeks ago, and I finially purchased this hardcover edition. I dont regret it! It is one of my all time favorite books. Theres a sense and smell to each page, something real about everything the author says. It's a science fiction with a flare of something akin to fantasy. I cant quite explain. You'll simply have to read it! I loved this book and am sure to read it again and again ... :)

It was great in a way that brought old spirits to new times in an adventure that I couldn’t stop reading!

I don't think I have read another book set in Zimbabwe, in fact not many novels seem to be set in Africa at all. I like that this author portrays a future Zimbabwe that has its problems but is not a third-world or developing country, it has joined the 22nd century as an equal to other nations. I like that the characters are all native to Zimbabwe, although of different ethnicity. I like the way the local culture is integrated into the story while acknowledging it as having its own problems. I like the bravery and perseverance of the two older children.So why did I give it three stars? Well, the writing is only passable. I seriously considered putting this book down before I became interested in the story. Secondly, the behavior of the parents of the missing children is kind of crazy and self-defeating. In some ways, the author seems to be writing down to the reader. This is not overpowering but it is enough to be annoying.So what I'm saying is, it's not a bad book but it's not a good one either. I don't think it would be of much interest to girls.

Sadly out of print , this children's book of magic realism is a fascinating tale set in an African state; by adopting a highly unusual narrative stance based on the perceptions of the eye, ear and arm detectives, the reader is drawn into the story, willynilly!

I enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend this book from teenagers upwards. It take you into a different time.

Very pleased with the item - Many thanks

This book is great. I have only read it once and that was about 4 years ago but I can still remember most of it and how good it is. It's a must read book for all ages

A sci-fi book set in Zimbabwe? Sign me up!I was probably expecting too much from a children's book, and one published in the 1990s at that. If you're into butler robots on roller skates, automatic Dobermans, antigrav pads, generic villains, and flying cars, this is the book for you. The pace of the book is fine, and it reaches a conclusion that is also fine. The best part is the use of elements of African culture and spirituality to spice up the book, although that's a right the book doesn't always earn.