The Last Brother
Natacha Appanah
translated by Geoffrey Strachan
February 2011
208 pages
Published by Graywolf Press
I do believe this is the first book I’ve ever read that was set in Mauritius.
This book is set during WWII, and features two young boys who meet through the fence of a prison camp. Which makes it sound like The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. And I’ll confess, it was hard to not think of that book while reading this one, even though the two books really do have very little in common. Because, hello? Mauritius? Not exactly a common place for a book setting, let alone a WWII prison camp (although the book explains what’s up with that).
This is actually a very touching story about Raj and David. These two young boys, both of whom are suffering in different ways, and who have led radically different lives, and whom never should have even met, forge a very strong friendship. The story is told by Raj, years later, as he remembers his dear friend and the few days they spent together, both in the prison camp, and wandering through the forests of Mauritius.
And it’s a fairly short story, which means this is a fairly short post. Emotionally, though? Big wallop.
Can’t say that this was on my list. Now I’ll have to take a look next time I’m at the library.
Beth F´s last [type] ..Guest Post- Carolyn Hart and Dead on Demand
Lately I have been hearing a lot of good things about this book, and really want to check it out. I love books that have a lot of emotional heft, and since I haven’t read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, I suspect that this book will hold a new story for me. Thanks for the enticing review.
I’ve never even heard of Mauritius… good thing I read your blog so I can be introduced to literature that is set in places I never go — even in my imagination!
This sounds like a very touching book — I’ll have to see if they have it at my library.
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Your review has piqued my interest!
You KNOW I want this! lol Fortunately, my library has it. Unfortunately, I’m at my 20 holds limit. Fortunately, I have access to my mom’s account…
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You need to join a reading around the world challenge just to get Mauritus on it.
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It does sound a bit like BitSP. I still think I’m going to look into this one though… I really like the creepy cover.
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This one was on my radar. Now I’m adding it to the TBR list!
I hadn’t heard of this one before – it’s on my radar now! I haven’t read anything that takes place in Mauritius either.
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I hadn’t even heard of Mauritius until reading this book, but I am geographically challenged. I thought this was a beautifully written book, and I didn’t think about the connection to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas even though I saw the movie. I’ll link to your review on War Through the Generations.
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