Burn My Heart

Mathew and Mugo. Two boys living on the same Kenyan land but they share an uneasy friendship. They live in a time when white and black means rich and poor – and a secret society, called the Mau Mau, want their land and freedom back.

Soon no-one knows who to trust and Mathew and Mugo are caught in the middle. Violence and suspicion are spreading. One day, fire breaks out on Mathew’s family farm, with terrifying consequences.

“ …it gave me an insight into a past that I knew nothing about. The writing, personal and clever, made me empathise with all of the characters, for all of them had individual stories. This is a book I will never forget.”

Red House Reader Naomi Fitzpatrick (13 yrs)

“a tale of betrayal that does indeed burn your heart.”

Sunday Times, UK

“compulsively readable”

The Independent, UK

“a highly effective evocation of that period when the wind of change began to blow through Africa… frequently exciting and often deeply moving”

Books for Keeps (5 star review)

“Burn My Heart moves, enlightens and reminds us about a time in British colonial history, a time of African struggle, that helps us to understand how things are now with a little more insight. And, most of all, it is a fine story of friendship, trust, betrayal and loss”

The Guardian, UK

“the friendship story is haunting… Many readers will find parallels to contemporary questions about the differences between terrorists and freedom fighters.”

Starred review, American Library Association Booklist

“sheds light on a dark period of rebellion and repression.”

Starred review, Kirkus, USA

“the narrative is heart-stopping… The story will speak powerfully to readers concerned about justice and human rights, as well as those simply looking for a well-told story.”

Starred review, School Library Journal, USA

To read an interview with Beverley Naidoo on Burn My Heart click here

Booklist Youth Editors’ Choice, USA 2009

New York Public Library’s 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, USA 2009