Reviews

The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

juliannecridlin's review against another edition

5.0

TW for the book: child abuse, sexual abuse, child trafficking

This book eloquently describes the real-life implications of colonialism that not only plagued the world centuries ago but continue to do so today. This story, influenced by one person, but probably more Black people at large, does not sugarcoat the trafficking and stealing of people's culture and lives. Exploring the wider abuses that come not just from colonization but also interpersonal abuse at the hands of other individuals was a heartbreaking story and necessary.

eedelmann's review against another edition

4.0

The Attic Child was a powerful story about two very different, yet similar, children locked in the same attic at different points in their lives. The book talks about the search to connect them despite their age differences. I enjoyed it!

madreejima's review

challenging dark emotional informative sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

cindereads's review against another edition

emotional hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

mullensamy's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

colinmc82's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

jenanne83178's review against another edition

4.0

4.5

jayslibrary_'s review against another edition

5.0

The Attic Child is a historical novel that follows the lives of Dikembe, taken from his homeland in Africa to England in the early 1900’s and Lowra, a modern-day British girl. Both end up in the same attic, though 90 years apart.

I read this last year and still think about it till this day. Dikembe’s story was honestly heartbreaking, yet inspiring. Dikembe experienced so much darkness in his life from
being taken from his family to a foreign land and essentially being treated like crap once in England. How his life turns around was absolutely beautiful to read. Although, he went through so much trauma, he experienced so much love at the end.

Jaye does an amazing job of weaving together both Dikembe and Lowra’s stories, highlighting the differences and similarities in their experiences. Dikembe’s story sheds light on the historical exploitation and dehumanisation of Africans, while Lowra’s story follows issues of family trauma and neglect.

The authenticity of the characters resonated with me deeply, particularly my unwavering support for Dikembe throughout. It’s a compelling story that kept me engrossed from start to finish. This is definitely one of my top reads.

If you enjoy stories with strong characters and rich historical contexts, this one is worth reading!

marliehallett's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.75

scannon38's review against another edition

hopeful mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5