Pigeon English
Autor Stephen Kelmanen Limba Engleză Paperback – 18 iun 2012
"Intelligent,
observant."
—The
New
Yorker
"If your patrons liked Roddy Doyle’sPaddy Clarke Ha Ha Haand if they rooted for Jamal Malik inSlumdog Millionaire, they will love Harri Opoku." —Library Journal, starred review
"In turns funny and tragic . . . Its message is universal." –Huffington Post
Advise yourself! Jump intoPigeon Englishand experience the jubilant, infectious voice of Harrison Opoku—a boy awed by the city, obsessed with gummy candy, a friend to everyone he meets. See why he isbo-styles. How being the fastest runner in Year 7 makes himdope-fine. And how crazy things get when Harri and his best friend launch their own investigation into the murder of a classmate and one of the Dell Farm Crew’shutiouscriminals feels them closing in on him. You’ll want this book to lastdonkey hours, and you’ll see why Harri is truly a “hero for our times.”*
"LikeRoom. . . andThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. . .Pigeon Englishis a novel for adults told in the remarkable voice of a child. In this fine company, Kelman's novel stands out." —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Since Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, there have been certain rules observed when children play detective. Stephen Kelman throws them all out." —Christian Science Monitor
"If your patrons liked Roddy Doyle’sPaddy Clarke Ha Ha Haand if they rooted for Jamal Malik inSlumdog Millionaire, they will love Harri Opoku." —Library Journal, starred review
"In turns funny and tragic . . . Its message is universal." –Huffington Post
Advise yourself! Jump intoPigeon Englishand experience the jubilant, infectious voice of Harrison Opoku—a boy awed by the city, obsessed with gummy candy, a friend to everyone he meets. See why he isbo-styles. How being the fastest runner in Year 7 makes himdope-fine. And how crazy things get when Harri and his best friend launch their own investigation into the murder of a classmate and one of the Dell Farm Crew’shutiouscriminals feels them closing in on him. You’ll want this book to lastdonkey hours, and you’ll see why Harri is truly a “hero for our times.”*
"LikeRoom. . . andThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. . .Pigeon Englishis a novel for adults told in the remarkable voice of a child. In this fine company, Kelman's novel stands out." —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Since Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, there have been certain rules observed when children play detective. Stephen Kelman throws them all out." —Christian Science Monitor
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Specificații
ISBN-13: 9780547737423
ISBN-10: 0547737424
Pagini: 288
Dimensiuni: 135 x 203 x 17 mm
Greutate: 0.27 kg
Editura: HMH Books
Colecția Mariner Books
Locul publicării:United States
ISBN-10: 0547737424
Pagini: 288
Dimensiuni: 135 x 203 x 17 mm
Greutate: 0.27 kg
Editura: HMH Books
Colecția Mariner Books
Locul publicării:United States
Recenzii
"This
this
boy’s
love
letter
to
the
world
made
me
laugh
and
tremble
all
the
way
through.Pigeon
Englishis
a
triumph."
—Emma Donoghue, author ofRoom
"Continually surprising and endearing ... There’s a sweetness here that’s irresistible."
—Washington Post
"[A] work of deep sympathy and imagination."
—Boston Globe
"Enchanting."
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Winning [and] ingenious. . .Pigeon Englishpacks a wallop."
—Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Intelligent, observant."
—The New Yorker
"Since Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, there have been certain rules observed when children play detective. Stephen Kelman throws them all out ... The mystery is secondary to the pleasures of listening to Harri."
—Christian Science Monitor
"In turns funny and tragic ... Its message is universal."
—Huffington Post
"If your patrons liked Roddy Doyle’s Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha and if they rooted for Jamal Malik inSlumdog Millionaire, they will love Harri Opuku."
—Library Journal, starred review
"Pigeon Englishis a book to fall in love with: a funny book, a true book, a shattering book ... If you loved Mark Haddon’sThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Timeor Emma Donoghue’s Man Booker–shortlistedRoom, you’ll love this book too."
—The Times(UK)
"Adapting the narrative voice of Holden Caulfield from J. D. Salinger’sThe Catcher In The Rye...Pigeon Englishconvincingly evokes life on the edge ... The humour, the resilience, the sheer ebullience of its narrator—a hero for our times—should ensure the book becomes, deservedly, a classic."
—Mail on Sunday(UK)
"This exuberant novel sparkles with wonder and delight ... A vivid snapshot of contemporary urban childhood, it’s Harri’s voice, brilliantly captured and entirely convincing, which makes this book such a joy."
—Daily Mail(UK)
"Filled with energy, humour and compassion,Pigeon Englishis a gut-wrenchingly sad novel that makes you laugh out loud."
—Guardian(UK)
"Pigeon Englishis a fascinating look at a culture pushed to the margins by a nation’s economic and empathic indifference; Harri is our immediately likable tour guide."
—Time Out Chicago
"Kelman’s [debut] has a powerful story, a pacy plot and engaging characters. It paints a vivid portrait with honesty, sympathy and wit . . . It is horrifying, tender and funny . . .Pigeon Englishwill be read by millions . . . Parents who do their children’s homework are in for a treat."
—Telegraph(UK)
"Writing in a child’s voice is always a high-wire act . . . Those who have pulled it off range from J.D. Salinger to Emma Donoghue. Kelman takes it one step further . . . The result is a tour de force . . . Funny and poignant,Pigeon Englishis fired with an uncontainable spirit, a rare distillate of boyhood optimism and adult wisdom."
—Maclean’s(Canada)
"Kelman’s command of Harrison’s innocent all-seeing eyes makes for an engaging read."
—The Daily Beast
"Funny and poignant . . . What might be described asDiary of a Wimpy KidmeetsTrainspotting. . . Undeniable."
—Toronto Star(Canada)
"Like Harper Lee’s Scout Finch and Miriam Toews’ Thebes Troutman, Stephen Kelman’s Harri is an original who seems to breathe real oxygen. Watching Harri’s exploits will make a reader want to laugh, marvel and cheer, but also cringe in fear . . . To be moved to care this deeply for a fictional character is a rare experience . . . The effect is one of profound transcendence."
—Winnipeg Free Press(Canada)
"Told with humour, despite the gritty subject matter and setting . . .Pigeon Englishcharms its way into some hard places."
—Financial Times(UK)
"Harri’s joie de vivre is infectious and his voice simultaneously charming and haunting—similar to the narrators of Emma Donoghue’sRoomor Mark Haddon’sThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. And much like those books,Pigeon Englishis a story for adults."
—BookPage
"Authentic and audacious . . . Harri is . . .tantalisingly sympathetic."
—Scotsman(UK)
"Imaginative, gut-wrenching and powerful . . . It’s a window on a world many of us will never experience (thankfully), and it is beautifully and intelligently written."
—Edmonton Journal(Canada)
"A charming narrative voice energizes this lively first novel . . . festooned with vivid, funny locutions . . . There’s just no resisting the kid . . . his embryonic wit, street smarts and survival instincts are about as hutious as it gets."
—Kirkus
"Hilarious, touching and terrifying by turns . . . In his evocation of the dreaming that brings many immigrants to cities all over the world and the danger and despair they face there, Kelman has crafted a book that soars."
—Chronicle Herald(Canada)
"Laced with humour, innocence and authenticity."
—The Independent(UK)
"Prepare to fall in love with Harri . . . [A] fresh, funny and ultimately moving story of 11-year-old Ghanaian immigrant to London."
—Shelf Awareness, starred review
"There is an irrepressible joy in Harri . . . Harri is a hero for all ages . . . He worms his way into your affections and leaves you breathless . . .Pigeon Englishis a mesmerizing tale of naïveté and discovery that has us rooting on the sidelines, hoping that Harri will triumph."
—The Rover(Canada)
"The strength of this debut novel lies in Harri’s voice . . . Teens will appreciate Harri’s winning narration, his child’s-eye view of adult situations, and the rising tension when playing detective becomes a high-stakes matter."
—School Library Journal, Adult Books 4 Teens
"Pigeon Englishhas already been hailed as a ‘brilliant’ and ‘deeply moving’ depiction of urban life . . . Far from being a political tract, however, Kelman's book uses Harri to convey a straightforward message about how good can triumph, whatever the odds."
—London Evening Standard(UK)
"Well-tuned . . . crisp and mirthful."
—Publishers Weekly
"Opoku’s plight is both heart-warming and heartbreaking, as his actions unwittingly speed the inevitable cruel crash of manhood into his quietly contented world."
—The List(UK), 4 out of 5 stars
"A book both chilling and charming . . . A coming-of age tale that feels achingly accurate."
—Globe and Mail(Canada)
"A startingly assured piece of work [with] . . . a level of sensitivity and craftsmanship which few crime novelists can offer. What strikes the reader all the way through is the superb control with which Kelman writes . . . Kelman is a writer to watch."
—Mystery Scene
"Pigeon Englishintroduces readers to a Dickensian London circa multicultural now. A violent and riveting coming of age story, Stephen Kelman’s debut novel also contains well-timed moments of comedy, affecting family drama, and just enough hopefulness."
—Vancouver Sun(Canada)
"A powerful and impressive novel . . . Kelman knows the world of boys—their language, their humour, their thoughts—and Harri’s voice is dazzlingly authentic."
—Clare Morrall, author of the Booker-shortlistedAstonishing Splashes of ColourandThe Man Who Disappeared
"Rich with lingo, energy, and occasional terror,Pigeon Englishis a stark and funny look at life in London’s rough housing projects. After another hutious gangland chooking, eleven-year-old Harri is on the case, tracking the murderer for donkey hours while impressing Poppy with his bo-styles. A compelling anatomy of our inner cities."
—Tony D’Souza, author ofWhitemanandMule
—Emma Donoghue, author ofRoom
"Continually surprising and endearing ... There’s a sweetness here that’s irresistible."
—Washington Post
"[A] work of deep sympathy and imagination."
—Boston Globe
"Enchanting."
—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"Winning [and] ingenious. . .Pigeon Englishpacks a wallop."
—Cleveland Plain Dealer
"Intelligent, observant."
—The New Yorker
"Since Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys, there have been certain rules observed when children play detective. Stephen Kelman throws them all out ... The mystery is secondary to the pleasures of listening to Harri."
—Christian Science Monitor
"In turns funny and tragic ... Its message is universal."
—Huffington Post
"If your patrons liked Roddy Doyle’s Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha and if they rooted for Jamal Malik inSlumdog Millionaire, they will love Harri Opuku."
—Library Journal, starred review
"Pigeon Englishis a book to fall in love with: a funny book, a true book, a shattering book ... If you loved Mark Haddon’sThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Timeor Emma Donoghue’s Man Booker–shortlistedRoom, you’ll love this book too."
—The Times(UK)
"Adapting the narrative voice of Holden Caulfield from J. D. Salinger’sThe Catcher In The Rye...Pigeon Englishconvincingly evokes life on the edge ... The humour, the resilience, the sheer ebullience of its narrator—a hero for our times—should ensure the book becomes, deservedly, a classic."
—Mail on Sunday(UK)
"This exuberant novel sparkles with wonder and delight ... A vivid snapshot of contemporary urban childhood, it’s Harri’s voice, brilliantly captured and entirely convincing, which makes this book such a joy."
—Daily Mail(UK)
"Filled with energy, humour and compassion,Pigeon Englishis a gut-wrenchingly sad novel that makes you laugh out loud."
—Guardian(UK)
"Pigeon Englishis a fascinating look at a culture pushed to the margins by a nation’s economic and empathic indifference; Harri is our immediately likable tour guide."
—Time Out Chicago
"Kelman’s [debut] has a powerful story, a pacy plot and engaging characters. It paints a vivid portrait with honesty, sympathy and wit . . . It is horrifying, tender and funny . . .Pigeon Englishwill be read by millions . . . Parents who do their children’s homework are in for a treat."
—Telegraph(UK)
"Writing in a child’s voice is always a high-wire act . . . Those who have pulled it off range from J.D. Salinger to Emma Donoghue. Kelman takes it one step further . . . The result is a tour de force . . . Funny and poignant,Pigeon Englishis fired with an uncontainable spirit, a rare distillate of boyhood optimism and adult wisdom."
—Maclean’s(Canada)
"Kelman’s command of Harrison’s innocent all-seeing eyes makes for an engaging read."
—The Daily Beast
"Funny and poignant . . . What might be described asDiary of a Wimpy KidmeetsTrainspotting. . . Undeniable."
—Toronto Star(Canada)
"Like Harper Lee’s Scout Finch and Miriam Toews’ Thebes Troutman, Stephen Kelman’s Harri is an original who seems to breathe real oxygen. Watching Harri’s exploits will make a reader want to laugh, marvel and cheer, but also cringe in fear . . . To be moved to care this deeply for a fictional character is a rare experience . . . The effect is one of profound transcendence."
—Winnipeg Free Press(Canada)
"Told with humour, despite the gritty subject matter and setting . . .Pigeon Englishcharms its way into some hard places."
—Financial Times(UK)
"Harri’s joie de vivre is infectious and his voice simultaneously charming and haunting—similar to the narrators of Emma Donoghue’sRoomor Mark Haddon’sThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. And much like those books,Pigeon Englishis a story for adults."
—BookPage
"Authentic and audacious . . . Harri is . . .tantalisingly sympathetic."
—Scotsman(UK)
"Imaginative, gut-wrenching and powerful . . . It’s a window on a world many of us will never experience (thankfully), and it is beautifully and intelligently written."
—Edmonton Journal(Canada)
"A charming narrative voice energizes this lively first novel . . . festooned with vivid, funny locutions . . . There’s just no resisting the kid . . . his embryonic wit, street smarts and survival instincts are about as hutious as it gets."
—Kirkus
"Hilarious, touching and terrifying by turns . . . In his evocation of the dreaming that brings many immigrants to cities all over the world and the danger and despair they face there, Kelman has crafted a book that soars."
—Chronicle Herald(Canada)
"Laced with humour, innocence and authenticity."
—The Independent(UK)
"Prepare to fall in love with Harri . . . [A] fresh, funny and ultimately moving story of 11-year-old Ghanaian immigrant to London."
—Shelf Awareness, starred review
"There is an irrepressible joy in Harri . . . Harri is a hero for all ages . . . He worms his way into your affections and leaves you breathless . . .Pigeon Englishis a mesmerizing tale of naïveté and discovery that has us rooting on the sidelines, hoping that Harri will triumph."
—The Rover(Canada)
"The strength of this debut novel lies in Harri’s voice . . . Teens will appreciate Harri’s winning narration, his child’s-eye view of adult situations, and the rising tension when playing detective becomes a high-stakes matter."
—School Library Journal, Adult Books 4 Teens
"Pigeon Englishhas already been hailed as a ‘brilliant’ and ‘deeply moving’ depiction of urban life . . . Far from being a political tract, however, Kelman's book uses Harri to convey a straightforward message about how good can triumph, whatever the odds."
—London Evening Standard(UK)
"Well-tuned . . . crisp and mirthful."
—Publishers Weekly
"Opoku’s plight is both heart-warming and heartbreaking, as his actions unwittingly speed the inevitable cruel crash of manhood into his quietly contented world."
—The List(UK), 4 out of 5 stars
"A book both chilling and charming . . . A coming-of age tale that feels achingly accurate."
—Globe and Mail(Canada)
"A startingly assured piece of work [with] . . . a level of sensitivity and craftsmanship which few crime novelists can offer. What strikes the reader all the way through is the superb control with which Kelman writes . . . Kelman is a writer to watch."
—Mystery Scene
"Pigeon Englishintroduces readers to a Dickensian London circa multicultural now. A violent and riveting coming of age story, Stephen Kelman’s debut novel also contains well-timed moments of comedy, affecting family drama, and just enough hopefulness."
—Vancouver Sun(Canada)
"A powerful and impressive novel . . . Kelman knows the world of boys—their language, their humour, their thoughts—and Harri’s voice is dazzlingly authentic."
—Clare Morrall, author of the Booker-shortlistedAstonishing Splashes of ColourandThe Man Who Disappeared
"Rich with lingo, energy, and occasional terror,Pigeon Englishis a stark and funny look at life in London’s rough housing projects. After another hutious gangland chooking, eleven-year-old Harri is on the case, tracking the murderer for donkey hours while impressing Poppy with his bo-styles. A compelling anatomy of our inner cities."
—Tony D’Souza, author ofWhitemanandMule
Notă biografică
STEPHEN
KELMAN
grew
up
in
the
housing
estates
of
Luton. He's
worked
variously
as
a
careworker,
a
warehouse
operative,
and
in
marketing
and
local
government
administration. Pigeon
Englishis
his
first
novel.
Extras
MARCH
You could see the blood. It was darker than you thought.
It was all on the ground outside Chicken Joe’s. It just felt
crazy.
Jordan: ‘I’ll give you a million quid if you touch it.’
Me: ‘You don’t have a million.’
Jordan: ‘One quid then.’
You wanted to touch it but you couldn’t get close
enough. There was a line in the way:
POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS
If you cross the line you’ll turn to dust.
We weren’t allowed to talk to the policeman, he had
to concentrate for if the killer came back. I could see
the chains hanging from his belt but I couldn’t see the
gun.
The dead boy’s mamma was guarding the blood. She
wanted it to stay, you could tell. The rain wanted to come
and wash the blood away but she wouldn’t let it. She
wasn’t even crying, she was just stiff and fierce like it was
her job to scare the rain back up into the sky. A pigeon was
looking for his chop. He walked right in the blood. He was
even sad as well, you could tell where his eyes were all pink
and dead.
* * *
The flowers were already bent. There were pictures of the
dead boy wearing his school uniform. His jumper was
green.
My jumper’s blue. My uniform’s better. The only bad
thing about it is the tie, it’s too scratchy. I hate it when
they’re scratchy like that.
There were bottles of beer instead of candles and the
dead boy’s friends wrote messages to him. They all said he
was a great friend. Some of the spelling was wrong but I
didn’t mind. His football boots were on the railings tied up
by their laces. They were nearly new Nikes, the studs were
proper metal and everything.
Jordan: ‘Shall I t’ief them? He don’t need ’em no more.’
I just pretended I didn’t hear him. Jordan would never
really steal them, they were a million times too big. They
looked too empty just hanging there. I wanted to wear
them but they’d never fit.
Me and the dead boy were only half friends, I didn’t see
him very much because he was older and he didn’t go
to my school. He could ride his bike with no hands and
you never even wanted him to fall off. I said a prayer
for him inside my head. It just said sorry. That’s all I
could remember. I pretended like if I kept looking hard
enough I could make the blood move and go back in the
shape of a boy. I could bring him back alive that way. It
happened before, where I used to live there was a chief
who brought his son back like that. It was a long time
ago, before I was born. Asweh, it was a miracle. It didn’t
work this time.
I gave him my bouncy ball. I don’t need it anymore, I’ve
got M ve more under my bed. Jordan only gave him a pebble
he found on the floor.
Me: ‘That doesn’t count. It has to be something that
belonged to you.’
Jordan: ‘I ain’t got nothing. I didn’t know we had to
bring a present.’
I gave Jordan a strawberry Chewit to give to the dead
boy, then I showed him how to make a cross. Both the two
of us made a cross. We were very quiet. It even felt important.
We ran all the way home. I beat Jordan easily. I can
beat everybody, I’m the fastest in Year 7. I just wanted to
get away before the dying caught us.
The buildings are all mighty around here. My tower is
as high as the lighthouse at Jamestown. There are three
towers all in a row: Luxembourg House, Stockholm House
and Copenhagen House. I live in Copenhagen House. My
flat is on floor 9 out of 14. It’s not even hutious, I can look
from the window now and my belly doesn’t even turn over.
I love going in the lift, it’s brutal, especially when you’re
the only one in there. Then you could be a spirit or a spy.
You even forget the pissy smell because you’re going so
fast.
It’s proper windy at the bottom like a whirlpool. If you
stand at the bottom where the tower meets the ground and
put your arms out, you can pretend like you’re a bird. You
can feel the wind try to pick you up, it’s nearly like flying.
Me: ‘Hold your arms out wider!’
Jordan: ‘They’re as wide as I can get ’em! This is so gay,
I’m not doing it no more!’
Me: ‘It’s not gay, it’s brilliant!’
Asweh, it’s the best way to feel alive. You only don’t
want the wind to pick you up, because you don’t know
where it will drop you. It might drop you in the bushes or
the sea.
In England there’s a hell of different words for everything.
It’s for if you forget one, there’s always another one left
over. It’s very helpful. Gay and dumb and lame mean all
the same. Piss and slash and tinkle mean all the same (the
same as greet the chief). There’s a million words for a bulla.
When I came to my new school, do you know what’s the
first thing Connor Green said to me?
Connor Green: ‘Have you got happiness?’
Me: ‘Yes.’
Connor Green: ‘Are you sure you’ve got happiness?’
Me: ‘Yes.’
Connor Green: ‘But are you really sure?’
Me: ‘I think so.’
He kept asking me if I had happiness. He wouldn’t stop.
In the end it just vexed me. Then I wasn’t sure. Connor
Green was laughing, I didn’t even know why. Then Manik
told me it was a trick.
Manik: ‘He’s not asking if you’ve got happiness, he’s
asking if you’ve got a penis. He says it to everyone. It’s just
a trick.’
It only sounds like happiness but really it means a penis.
Ha-penis.
Connor Green: ‘Got ya! Hook, line and sinker!’
Connor Green is always making tricks. He’s just a confusionist.
That’s the first thing you learn about him. At least
I didn’t lose. I do have a penis. The trick doesn’t work if
it’s true.
Some people use their balconies for hanging washing
or growing plants. I only use mine for watching the
helicopters. It’s a bit dizzy. You can’t stay out there for
more than one minute or you’ll turn into an icicle. I
saw X-Fire painting his name on the wall of Stockholm
House. He didn’t know I could see him. He was proper
quick and the words still came out dope-fine. I want to
write my own name that big but the paint in a can is too
dangerous, if you get it on yourself it never washes off,
even forever.
The baby trees are in a cage. They put a cage around the
tree to stop you stealing it. Asweh, it’s very crazy. Who’d
steal a tree anyway? Who’d chook a boy just to get his
Chicken Joe’s?
You could see the blood. It was darker than you thought.
It was all on the ground outside Chicken Joe’s. It just felt
crazy.
Jordan: ‘I’ll give you a million quid if you touch it.’
Me: ‘You don’t have a million.’
Jordan: ‘One quid then.’
You wanted to touch it but you couldn’t get close
enough. There was a line in the way:
POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS
If you cross the line you’ll turn to dust.
We weren’t allowed to talk to the policeman, he had
to concentrate for if the killer came back. I could see
the chains hanging from his belt but I couldn’t see the
gun.
The dead boy’s mamma was guarding the blood. She
wanted it to stay, you could tell. The rain wanted to come
and wash the blood away but she wouldn’t let it. She
wasn’t even crying, she was just stiff and fierce like it was
her job to scare the rain back up into the sky. A pigeon was
looking for his chop. He walked right in the blood. He was
even sad as well, you could tell where his eyes were all pink
and dead.
* * *
The flowers were already bent. There were pictures of the
dead boy wearing his school uniform. His jumper was
green.
My jumper’s blue. My uniform’s better. The only bad
thing about it is the tie, it’s too scratchy. I hate it when
they’re scratchy like that.
There were bottles of beer instead of candles and the
dead boy’s friends wrote messages to him. They all said he
was a great friend. Some of the spelling was wrong but I
didn’t mind. His football boots were on the railings tied up
by their laces. They were nearly new Nikes, the studs were
proper metal and everything.
Jordan: ‘Shall I t’ief them? He don’t need ’em no more.’
I just pretended I didn’t hear him. Jordan would never
really steal them, they were a million times too big. They
looked too empty just hanging there. I wanted to wear
them but they’d never fit.
Me and the dead boy were only half friends, I didn’t see
him very much because he was older and he didn’t go
to my school. He could ride his bike with no hands and
you never even wanted him to fall off. I said a prayer
for him inside my head. It just said sorry. That’s all I
could remember. I pretended like if I kept looking hard
enough I could make the blood move and go back in the
shape of a boy. I could bring him back alive that way. It
happened before, where I used to live there was a chief
who brought his son back like that. It was a long time
ago, before I was born. Asweh, it was a miracle. It didn’t
work this time.
I gave him my bouncy ball. I don’t need it anymore, I’ve
got M ve more under my bed. Jordan only gave him a pebble
he found on the floor.
Me: ‘That doesn’t count. It has to be something that
belonged to you.’
Jordan: ‘I ain’t got nothing. I didn’t know we had to
bring a present.’
I gave Jordan a strawberry Chewit to give to the dead
boy, then I showed him how to make a cross. Both the two
of us made a cross. We were very quiet. It even felt important.
We ran all the way home. I beat Jordan easily. I can
beat everybody, I’m the fastest in Year 7. I just wanted to
get away before the dying caught us.
The buildings are all mighty around here. My tower is
as high as the lighthouse at Jamestown. There are three
towers all in a row: Luxembourg House, Stockholm House
and Copenhagen House. I live in Copenhagen House. My
flat is on floor 9 out of 14. It’s not even hutious, I can look
from the window now and my belly doesn’t even turn over.
I love going in the lift, it’s brutal, especially when you’re
the only one in there. Then you could be a spirit or a spy.
You even forget the pissy smell because you’re going so
fast.
It’s proper windy at the bottom like a whirlpool. If you
stand at the bottom where the tower meets the ground and
put your arms out, you can pretend like you’re a bird. You
can feel the wind try to pick you up, it’s nearly like flying.
Me: ‘Hold your arms out wider!’
Jordan: ‘They’re as wide as I can get ’em! This is so gay,
I’m not doing it no more!’
Me: ‘It’s not gay, it’s brilliant!’
Asweh, it’s the best way to feel alive. You only don’t
want the wind to pick you up, because you don’t know
where it will drop you. It might drop you in the bushes or
the sea.
In England there’s a hell of different words for everything.
It’s for if you forget one, there’s always another one left
over. It’s very helpful. Gay and dumb and lame mean all
the same. Piss and slash and tinkle mean all the same (the
same as greet the chief). There’s a million words for a bulla.
When I came to my new school, do you know what’s the
first thing Connor Green said to me?
Connor Green: ‘Have you got happiness?’
Me: ‘Yes.’
Connor Green: ‘Are you sure you’ve got happiness?’
Me: ‘Yes.’
Connor Green: ‘But are you really sure?’
Me: ‘I think so.’
He kept asking me if I had happiness. He wouldn’t stop.
In the end it just vexed me. Then I wasn’t sure. Connor
Green was laughing, I didn’t even know why. Then Manik
told me it was a trick.
Manik: ‘He’s not asking if you’ve got happiness, he’s
asking if you’ve got a penis. He says it to everyone. It’s just
a trick.’
It only sounds like happiness but really it means a penis.
Ha-penis.
Connor Green: ‘Got ya! Hook, line and sinker!’
Connor Green is always making tricks. He’s just a confusionist.
That’s the first thing you learn about him. At least
I didn’t lose. I do have a penis. The trick doesn’t work if
it’s true.
Some people use their balconies for hanging washing
or growing plants. I only use mine for watching the
helicopters. It’s a bit dizzy. You can’t stay out there for
more than one minute or you’ll turn into an icicle. I
saw X-Fire painting his name on the wall of Stockholm
House. He didn’t know I could see him. He was proper
quick and the words still came out dope-fine. I want to
write my own name that big but the paint in a can is too
dangerous, if you get it on yourself it never washes off,
even forever.
The baby trees are in a cage. They put a cage around the
tree to stop you stealing it. Asweh, it’s very crazy. Who’d
steal a tree anyway? Who’d chook a boy just to get his
Chicken Joe’s?
Descriere
This
hilarious
and
heartwrenching
novel
follows
eleven-year-old
Harri
Opuku,
recently
emigrated
from
Ghana
to
the
rough
housing
projects
of
London,
as
he
tries
to
navigate
inner-city
life.
See
what
makes
our
good-hearted
protagonist
dope-fine,
become
acquainted
with
his
bo-styles,
and
find
yourself
wanting
this
touching
debut
to
last
donkey
hours.