Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

The Other Hand

By Chris Cleave

The storyline centres on two women, one English the other African. Their lives, so different are brought together one day. Consequences from that day are brought into focus years later.

"I liked the way the storyline and the particulars of Immigration Centres are based on testimonies of former interns of such places. Their truth gives an insight into their lives evoking empathy and sadness"
Recommended  ***

"I liked the insights into British  culture seen from the outside perspective of Little Bee, the relationships between those who people this book are real- told with humour, pathos and sympathy. I disliked the character of Lawrence!
Recommended  ****

"A gripping story culminating in an awful experience on the beach,
and the following repercussions. A good story ,an insight into what can happen on holiday.. Good narrative , gruesome murder scene."
Recommended  ***

"An exciting yet disturbing read- throwing up different situations- work, home , relationships and more disturbing happenings that are still being carried out in the world today with seemingly no end to them."
Recommended *****

"I enjoyed this book very much, different to anything I have read and so relevant to the many issues of the present day"
Recommended *****

"The author has given a brilliant portrayal of the best and the worst sides of humanity. A  mixture of atrocities, rape ,domestic upheaval, the complexities of African politics and the refugee dilemma all meld into a remarkable story of human endurance and suffering. Mr Cleave has  made me realise how fortunate I am to have been born and lived in a Western democracy and never to have to experience the terrible situations in which the African girl found herself. It makes a compelling case for African refugees.
Recommended *****

"I found this a gripping story which held my interest  until the final page."
Recommended *****

"Too many coincidences for me to find this a believable story. The ending was not a surprise."  ***