I only recently saw the award-winning movie, “Slum-dog Millionaire” and was haunted by it for weeks. My immediate reaction to Trash by Andy Mulligan was that it was going to be similar in a variety of ways – the children are orphans, they live in desperate conditions, and they (rightfully) mistrust the law. I wasn’t sure I could experience another story of the horrors of youth in a third world country but the writing kept me captivated.
Raphael lives in a metal box on the edge of the dump. He works every day in the dump looking for something edible, recyclable, salvageable or hopefully, valuable.One day he finds something very special. He immediately knows it’s value and splits it with his friend and aunt. But when the police come asking about the missing item and offer a reward, Raphael knows he’s found something even more important than he thought. The adventure starts when he impulsively denies finding anything when questioned by the police and goes on a search to unravel the mystery surrounding its origin.
Although there is violence in this story, it was not used gratuitously but to convince the reader of the reality of the situation in which these children live. I enjoy mysteries and this one reveals each step cleverly and suspensefully. Young adult readers will enjoy the action and twists and turns. The hope and determination of Rafael and his friends, in such unthinkable poverty, results in a powerful and compelling read!
- Posted by Lisa