Eleven year old Harrison Opoku, recent
arrival from Ghana, lives in London with his mother and older sister, while his
father, grandma and baby sister remain in Africa awaiting their opportunity to
join them. From his high-rise flat Harrison tries to make sense of his new
unfamiliar surroundings, sometimes in conversation with a persistent pigeon
that visits his balcony.
At school he has his own mixed group of
friends but there is also the pull of the cool but dangerous Dell Farm Crew;
and there is Poppy Morgan who exerts an altogether different and novel
attraction.
When a boy is stabbed to death outside the
off-licence, Harrison and his best friend Dean decide to investigate using CSI
techniques gleaned from Dean’s favourite TV show. Their unsubtle efforts, though
not remotely in danger of detecting anything, could draw some unwelcome
attention from those with something to hide.
Kelman captures the wonder of a young boy
for whom life’s possibilities, good and bad, are just opening up. The clarity
with which he sees events contrasts amusingly with his naivety in interpreting
some of the unfolding facts of life. Can he learn quickly enough to survive?
Although written from a young boy’s
perspective, the novel has adult themes and a dark edge of reality. As for the
pigeon, I’m not sure I got its symbolism, but its interventions were minimal
and didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
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