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This is another in Scholastic's series
of fictional diaries.
Jabulani is the son of a Zulu chief. In the Zulu Wars he accompanies
his elder brother as his udibi. He carries his elder brother's
spears and sleeping mat. He scouts and looks after the cattle.
He is present at the Battle of Isandlwana where he disgraces his
brother by visibly showing his horror at the slaughter and cruelty.
Jabulani is later taken prisoner. By this time some of the other
Zulus are accusing him of being a traitor and he fears for his
life. When he is going to be released he begs the British officer
to keep him as a servant. But after a short spell with the British
Army Jabulani decides to go back to his own people and he is with
Chief Cetshwayo when he is betrayed to the British.
This book contains much detail about the Zulu army or impi
--both weapons and also the unique Zulu fighting formation.
Jabulani's spell with the British lets him describe how, in reality,
the British were really badly equipped for fighting in Africa
and how things could have been very different if the Zulus had
attacked them when on the march.
The domestic side of Zulu life also receives attention as Jabulani
describes the kraal of the village where he grew up. Later we
see the contrast when he visits the huge royal kraal on the plain
of Ulundi and sees hundreds of huts stretching across the plain.
Zulu customs are also shown from the Royal Festival to the cruelty
of hunting down and killing an unfaithful wife.
Comes with a historical note, time scale, and map. Contemporary
photographs are also included.
An exciting story which moves at a fast pace and holds the interest
while still managing to get the facts across to the reader.
10-14