Orange For the Sunset-by Tina Athaide

Published on December 08, 2024

Orange For the Sunset by Tina Athaide (2019)

Reviewed by Elizabeth DeVincenzo

This middle-grade novel set in Uganda in 1972 tells the story of Asha, who is Indian and her best friend Yesofu, who is African. President Idi Amin has announced that Indians have 90 days to leave the country. Asha is determined to keep her life the same, while Yesofu is torn between his friendship and loyalty to Asha and his African friends who are enthusiastic about President Amin’s decision. Alternating chapters between Asha’s and Yesofu’s points of view allow readers to understand why both characters feel the way they do and to develop empathy for both. Ugandan author Tina Athaide, who left the country with her family in 1972, writes about politics, race, and class divisions between Indians and African Ugandans in a balanced way that is easy for readers to understand and still relevant among different ethnic groups all over the world. Included is a timeline starting in August 1972 and ending on November 9, 1972- the deadline for Indians to leave Uganda. Also included are photographs of the author and her family, an author’s note explaining the roots of the expulsion which go back to the 1890s when Uganda was a British colony. A bibliography for further reading is also included. Recommended for fans of historical fiction and those who have an interest in world history.

Target Audience-Grades 4-7

SLJ- March 2019- “A timely addition to middle grade shelves in need of non-Western historical fiction. This works as a strong companion to Veera Hiranandani's The Night Diary and A.L. Sonnichsen's Red Butterfly.”

Kirkus Reviews- January 2019- “Though based in history, this novel is timely, addressing the human complexity of literal borders and figurative walls and lives that are irrevocably and heartbreakingly changed in crises.”