Burn My Heart
Burn My Heart by Beverley Naidoo, published by HarperCollins on December 23, 2008, is a thought-provoking narrative set in 1950s Kenya. This 224-page book delves into the complex friendship between two boys, Mathew and Mugo, who navigate their relationship amid the backdrop of social upheaval and the Mau Mau rebellion. Despite their differing backgrounds—Mathew being the son of a landowner and Mugo a black Kenyan—their bond is tested by the realities of loyalty and betrayal in a time of escalating tensions.
Readers will find a poignant exploration of themes such as friendship, prejudice, and the impact of societal conflict on personal relationships. As the story unfolds, the boys confront the challenges posed by their environment, highlighting the fragile nature of their connection. Naidoo’s narrative invites reflection on the social themes of violence and loyalty, making it a significant addition to juvenile fiction that addresses the complexities of identity and belonging in a divided society.
Official synopsis Publisher
What does it mean to be loyal?
Mathew and Mugo, two boys—one white, one black—share an uneasy friendship in Kenya in the 1950s. They’re friends even though Mathew’s dad owns the land and everything on it. They’re friends despite the difference in their skin color. And they’re friends in the face of the growing Mau Mau rebellion, which threatens British settlers with violence as black Kenyans struggle to win back their land and freedom. But suspicions and accusations are escalating, and an act of betrayal could change everything.
Internationally acclaimed, award-winning author Beverley Naidoo explores the fragile bonds of friendship in this stunning novel about prejudice, fear, and the circumstances that bring people together—and tear them apart.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Burn My Heart” about?
Who is the author of “Burn My Heart”?
When was “Burn My Heart” published?
What is the ISBN for “Burn My Heart”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
