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A World Full of Journeys is a richly illustrated introduction to the history of human migration. From the first people to leave home and travel across the world, right up to the journeys of today and beyond, this book will teach readers that every single journey has the capacity to change the world. Informative and warm text from Martin Howard accompanied by beautiful artwork by Christopher Corr makes for an immersive reading experience.
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‘'Inside you is a kaleidoscope of human history, and thousands of stories of travel and adventure.''
From Science to Art, from food to clothing, from storytelling to music, from trading to a shared life, our world has been built on journeys.
But our History has also been built through blood and tears and injustice...
The book depicts the dreadful times of the greed of the white conquerors. Slavery, exploitation, diseases, massacres and innumerable crimes committed, every wound is there without being ‘'unsuitable'' for the young readers. It informs and teaches, it doesn't shock. The stories of the years of slavery, the Underground Railroad, the Civil Rights Movement, the terrible era of the Apartheid are told with sensitivity and clear language that will move you to tears.
I was happily surprised to see that the persecution of the Huguenots and the refuge they found in Britain was included. It was also a delight to see the story of Brick Lane in East London, a place unique in its diversity and beauty. It does the story of the Roma people justice, focusing on their fascinating culture and highlighting the prejudices against them.
It chronicles the Kindertransport and the contribution of the British people who eased the suffering of the children. It dedicates one of the most evocative passages to the Windrush Generation and the hideous behaviour of the state. I trust we all remember the 2018 abominable actions of the UK government...
The writer offers a haunting, powerful narration of the customs of the Aboriginal people and the ordeals they have faced and are still facing in their own land. The Dreaming is one of the most evocative legends of our planet. He doesn't shy away from highlighting the massacres committed in the Americas by the European countries and their immense greed, starting with the Spanish butchers. The Trail of Tears, the Chinatown, the arrivals in Ellis Island. All in all, the hands that built America...
BUT
Where is the persecution of the Jewish people? Where is the Holocaust? Or are we to condone the opinion of nobody- actors and actresses who support the view that the Holocaust was not about race? Can we please be serious, for once?!!
I didn't appreciate the fact that the writer categorised certain religions as ‘'peaceful'' and others - apparently - as less so. All religions are peaceful. It is humans who resort to violence using religion as justification. I can't believe that we are still faced with this discussion!
China is most definitely NOT a democracy and the Internet is most definitely NOT a means to bring people together in the country. Alexander the Great was GREEK. He didn't come from ‘'a small country north of Greece''. Writer, educate yourself before you reproduce mindless propaganda.
The ‘'ideas that started in Rome'' were the ones the Romans adopted when Greece was conquered. U suggest the writer read the famous phrase about how ‘'Rome conquered Greece but Greece conquered Rome''.
Yes, this is a book that definitely helps the younger readers to understand diversity, inclusivity and togetherness as the only means for peace and security. However, I strongly feel that the writer should have paid attention to what others may view as small details. Also, a few hours of History studying wouldn't hurt...
Many thanks to Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.