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Product Description
From School Library Journal
Grade 6-9-A hard-hitting, eye-opening novel that brings readers face-to-face with the horrors of war. Although a work of fiction, it is based on the real-life experiences of Sofia Alface, a friend of the author. The story takes place in Mozambique, which is in the midst of a civil war (1975-1992). One night, most of the village population, including Sofia's father, are murdered by ax-wielding bandits. Sofia, her sister Maria, her mother, and her brother survive the attack and travel by foot to a faraway village. Just as they seem to be recovering from the trauma, disaster strikes again. Maria and Sofia are playing on a path when Sofia steps on a landmine. In that second, life is altered permanently. Maria dies, and Sofia loses both legs. This is one child's story of survival, strength, determination, and triumph. Through it, readers come to understand what happens to survivors of landmine accidents-physically, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually. Mankell's language and style are spare, but elicit a deeply emotional response. An appended "Message from Adopt-A-Minefield" gives facts and statistics, as well as the mission of the organization and how readers can help. This outstanding book has been adapted for film, and Sofia's inspirational story is continued in a second book, Playing with Fire, currently published in Australia (Allen & Unwin, 2002).
Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Booklist
Gr. 4-8. Running with her sister in the fields near their village in Mozambique, southern Africa, Sofia steps on a landmine. She loses both her legs, and her sister dies. Swedish writer Mankell, recognized for his adult mysteries, knows the real Sofia and her country, and his novel, originally published in Sweden and translated here with simple clarity, dramatizes the landmine horror, especially its devastating toll on children. With the help of a dedicated doctor, a priest, and hospital caregivers, Sofia is fitted with two artificial legs and learns to walk again. Mankell never denies how the difficulties Sofia faces--the pain, grief, and family separation (her stepfather won't have her in the house), and the poverty in the war-ravaged country, where school is one classroom without books, paper, pens, or chalk. The resolution is hopeful; Sofia learns to use a sewing machine and support herself, but the physical reality is always visible as she straps on her legs every day. One of the first books to dramatize the global landmine crisis for children, this docu-novel will grab readers with the truth of one child's terror and courage. Hazel Rochman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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First Sentence
THERE ARE MANY expressive and beautiful words in the Swedish language. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
THERE ARE MANY expressive and beautiful words in the Swedish language. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The strength of the human spirit,
By A Customer
This review is from: Secrets in the Fire (Paperback)
This spare story presents the story of a young girl, Sophia, after she steps on a land mine. The impact of the well-chosen description of the circumstances is powerful. From the brutal reality of the loss of her village and the travel looking for a place to live, to the thoughts which carry Sophia through her daily life, this book is a memorable experience. We, who complain if the weather is too humid, could take a moment and reflect on the beauty of every day and the many fortunes of our lives. There are many groups advocating for land mine clean-up; the power of their cause is clarified and personalized by the simple life of an actual young woman maned Sophia. She is a real survivor. It would be an honor to meet her.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews) 27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The strength of the human spirit,
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Secrets in the Fire (Paperback)
This spare story presents the story of a young girl, Sophia, after she steps on a land mine. The impact of the well-chosen description of the circumstances is powerful. From the brutal reality of the loss of her village and the travel looking for a place to live, to the thoughts which carry Sophia through her daily life, this book is a memorable experience. We, who complain if the weather is too humid, could take a moment and reflect on the beauty of every day and the many fortunes of our lives. There are many groups advocating for land mine clean-up; the power of their cause is clarified and personalized by the simple life of an actual young woman maned Sophia. She is a real survivor. It would be an honor to meet her. 2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing Story of An Amazing Person,
By ReadsALot - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Secrets in the Fire (Paperback)
Because I read some background material on Henning Mankell prior to purchasing this book, I knew the main character in this story (Sophia) was real. The forward to the book also underscores that. That knowledge in advance of reading the book definitely impacts the reading. Admittedly, I'm unsure about the degree of impact if it had been the reverse - to learn that at the end. But impacting and humbling it would be in any and all events.This is an amazing story about an amazing person. I have traveled and lived in close proximity to poverty stricken areas around the world over my lifetime. Having seen some of that squalor renders my impression of the events in this story even more meaningful with continual thoughts of "I just can't imagine ..." as the story unfolds. I rated this a "5" in part to honor Mankell for honoring Sophia;in part to honor Sophia who deserves the highest rating in life for her courage. It's difficult to use the phrase "it's good book" for a story recounting the pain and suffering of an amazing child but the "5" rating is also for a story with the strongest example possible of an indomitable (Henning's most descriptive adjective) human spirit. I'd encourage all to purchase this book. 0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Author,
By Dorothy M. Dupont - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Secrets in the Fire (Paperback)
This is an excellent author. The Sedish to English translation is very good. The plot flows nicely and has an exciting ending.
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