I always love stories about big adult themes told from and innocent child's point of view, with all the hilarious misunderstandings that children make as they try to make sense of adult's behaviour, and this one did not disappoint!
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Set in an undetermined post-conical African state, this boom follows the childhood of the mischievous 'Matapari' (trouble). Matapari talks us through the goings on in his village, from his scholarly fathers work in education, to his ambitious uncle who rises (and falls) the political ranks.
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The childs voice narration adds a charming amount of comedy as he tries to make sense of seeing his uncle in bed with another married woman, and gives an interesting point of view on a post-colonial countries struggle to create political stability and a national identity after occupation by foreign powers.
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There is also of course a hint of the supernatural, in a nod to traditional African Folklore.