Mankell, H. (2003). Secrets in the Fire. Toronto: Annick Press. ISBN: 1550378007
· Plot Summary
Mozambique is a place littered with landmines, and under constant control by bandits with machine guns. When Sofia's family is attacked by one of the marauding bandit groups, they are forced to flee to a safer area. After days of hunger and thirst, Sofia, her mother (Lydia), her brother (Alfredo), and her sister (Maria) arrive at another village. Things are better, until the day Sofia and Maria leave the path near their home. It is an act that will carry result in the death of Maria, the loss of Sofia's legs, and the need for Sofia to remain separated from the remaining members of her family. Dr. Raoul, a therapist named Raoul, Nurse Veronica, and an old Indian named Totio become her new friends as she struggles to learn how to walk on orthopedic legs. Sofia misses the wise council of Old Muazena, who told her that every fire contains a secret. She seeks fire in the days in the hospital, hoping to learn, but there is nothing but days of little food and grueling lessons. As the visits from her mother begin to grow fewer and fewer, and she gains the ability to walk, Sofia returns to her mother's hut. Lydia is pregnant with the child of a man Sofia has never met, Isaias. He is cruel, beating her brother, and abusing Sofia in various ways before she finally leaves again to return to the city, and the aid of Doctor Raoul. In the end, the sister of his night guard takes Sofia in, and with the help of her new friends she is able to begin anew.
· Critical Evaluation
A graphic, but informative look at the effects of land mines on individuals from underdeveloped countries. The text is followed with pages of facts on the extent of the devastation wrought by these devices annually, and ways that tween readers can make a difference.
· Reader’s Annotation
An insightful book, not for the faint of heart. Sofia's plight is poignant, and her situation is not uncommon in Mozambique, as well as at least 70 other countries worldwide.
· Information about the Author
Henning Mankell is a Swedish author, but has lived in Africa, the setting for many of his books. Sofia is an actual friend of the author, and her story has been adapted into a film version. Mankell has received numerous awards for literature, including the Astrid Lindgren Prize.
· Genre
Non-Fiction
Biography
· Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 6-9/Ages 11-14
· Challenge Issues
Some tween readers may have difficulty with the descriptions of the girls following their accident, but it is important to impress upon these readers that this form of torture is experienced by people their own age, on a global scale. It is imperative to be informed, if we are to make a difference.
· Why did you include this book in the titles you selected?
I was searching for a title on a culture I had not read about already, and ran across this in my public library. It was included in the fiction section, because the books read as a novel, although it is a true story about Sofia Alface.
