Rhumba

by Elaine Proctor

Tottenham, London. Ten-year-old Flambeau waits for his young mother to arrive from the Congo, along the same dangerous route that the human traffickers smuggled him. Homesick and pining for love, he sees a glimpse of life in Knight, a fellow Congolese. Knight, a sapeur - dressed to the nines and dressed to kill - is a gangster who lives for two purposes: to be noticed, and to dance away the immigrants' troubles on a Friday night at Le Pitch, Broadwater Farm. And, who knows, he might just be able to use his contacts to find Flambeau's mother, Bijou. Knight has a girlfriend, Eleanor: a pale Scottish beauty whose love for him is total, but who can never be accepted into the world of Le Pitch. She becomes Flambeau's confidante, and he her mentor in the art of the Rhumba - the dance that will help her steal her lover's heart. But Knight's past is so troubled, and his present so dangerous, that to challenge the traffickers to find Bijou might be more than his life is worth - something a ten-year-old child cannot be expected to understand.

'Takes us deep into the lives of Congolese immigrants in London … a compelling piece of fiction, complete with a succession of terrific set-pieces and a touching plot … thrilling' Daily Mail

'Well-paced and beautifully written, this book is outstanding and will linger in your memory' Red

Genres: Fiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2012

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enchanting and captivating drama set in modern London; a young Scottish woman; a debonair, but also dangerous Congolese man; and a ten year old Congolese illegal immigrant boy - three people living on a dilapidated council estate, whose lives get really entwined, as the three lonely souls find solace of sorts from one another.. and from dancing rhumba! A charming and interesting take on urban life in a modern multicultural reality. 7 out of 12.

2013 read

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaine (the author) is a fellow ASL parent who joined us for the our group book discussion. This book made me aware of the trafficing issue here in the UK. Just recently our 8th grade students returning from the Normandy trip to France had three stowaways that got into the engine compartment of their bus. The bus was involved in a minor collision and they were discovered. Two were caught and one got away.

This really makes you think about the plight of those who need to flee their country.

Good read. While this is fiction she did share the real outcome of an incident this was based on.

Who knew this was going on right under our noses here.

[David Bonbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I concur entirely with Mike Leigh (whose work I also love). This is a deeply moving and poetic story that feeds the soul.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, with each character suffering in some way, and in a big way, yet struggling with everyday life.
Super

[Caitlin Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

really enjoyed how empathetically the characters are drawn

[Thatcher N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the type of storytelling that will leave you unravelling... but in that special way that only good books can. I would read it again and again if my heart could take the anguish.

[Stephen Kiernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An African living in Britain wrote this story of the Congolese subculture in London, hardscrabble and digified, subservient due to poverty and illegal immigration status but still mindful of the powers and respect of life back in the Congo.

A boy seeks his missing mother. A woman seeks a lasting love. A man seeks freedom from a near-slavery to the human trafficker who smuggled him into England.

What connects these characters? The languages of home, modest aspirations despite desperate circumstances, and music: the magic, the songs, the hope, and above all the dancing that makes the hard European life fall away and the inner joyous African life return.

The language is minimalist but vivid and compelling nonetheless.

This book may be hard to get a copy of, but it is totally worth the effort.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book - it was unputdownable, which explains why I finished it in a day. The characters had a life of their own & although in some parts it seemed unrealistic, it wasn't so "too good to be true" nor did it have a fairytale ending which certainly made the unlikely parts more believable & gave the story a lot of clout. It will hopefully highlight some of the ideas it touches on such as human trafficking to those who do not think about such things. Hopefully it'll at least make people think about these issues. I loved flambeau & Eleanor & had a love/hate relationship with knight. Definitely another book I wouldn't hesitate to recommend though :)

[Kokodachic · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an easy read about a young Congolese boy who is smuggled into London at his mother's request and his quest to find his mother. It provides an interesting multi-latered insight into modern day slavery. The writing is a little uneven, the characters a little one-dimensional and at times I found it difficult to reconcile some of the child's thoughts. It seemed like the manuscript needed a bit more work.

[Danja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart and gut wrenching! This book is about human trafficking...in this case the subjects from Congo. The main characters already suffered horrible experiences in Congo (and Scotland). The little boy has seen way too much death and suffering. Its a must read for anyone who thinks the days of slavery are gone and who judge people who are different than themselves.

[BridgitDavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaine Proctor portrays characters using few words to give a complete picture of the character. Rhumba drew me into total empathy for characters I would normally dismiss. I cried for them. This book is beautiful and heartbreaking. Do not miss the beauty by trying to avoid the heartbreak.

[Ginger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender and powerful story, beautifully written, that captures the heart of a boy in search of his mother. It begs a movie version.

[Roger Beardsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empathetic story about African (and a Scottish) immigrant in London. Combines love, violence, fear and hope in an absorbing story. Shows real compassion and understanding.

[Daniellec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Its rich in detail and about a world not much explored. It was an education and a good friend on more than a few sleepless nights.

[Ann Tonks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. A truly moving and beautiful book, full of character richness and well drawn characters.

[Ragavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of different emotions and new experiences packed into a quick read.