The Hidden Star

by K. Sello Duiker

Eleven-year-old Nolitye's granny used to say: if you mess with a woman, you mess with a stone. When Nolitye finds a magical stone on the dusty streets of Phola, her granny's words take on a new meaning. Along with her two friends - the somewhat pampered Bheki, and Four Eyes, a reformed member of the Spoilers gang led by Rotten Nellie - Nolitye puts the powers of the stone to good use: for the first time the threesome can stand up to the Spoilers; Nolitye can save the life of Rex, the leader of a pack of talking township mutts; and dare to look scary MaMtonga with her living brown-and-green snake necklace in the eye. But soon Nolitye finds out that the purplish-blue magic stone is but five stones needed to put right things that started to go wrong the day her father died in a mining accident when she was five years old. Or so she was told by her mother... By merging a cast of characters straight out of African myth folklore with everyday township life, K. Sello Duiker created a magical world and a truly wondrous quest, a timeless tale that will appeal to an ageless audience.

Genres: Fantasy, Africa, South Africa, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Magical Realism

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Kabelo 'Sello' Duiker's debut novel, Thirteen Cents won the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best First Book, Africa Region.

He suffered a nervous breakdown in 2004, prior to committing suicide by hanging himself in January 2005.

Reviews

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a magical fairytale full of South African mythical figures and magical realism. Talking animals, women who are transformed into evil wicked witches, bullies who surprise you in a good way, and children who set out on an adventure to save the world from darkness.

Nolitye lives in the Phola area of Johannesburg in a small shanty with her mother. She is smart, strong-willed and intent on taking on the challenge that is set in front of her when she finds a very special stone.

Nolitye, with her best friend Bheki and new friend Four Eyes, challenge bullies, face their fears of the dark and the unknown, and finally brave the underworld in search of the light needed to bring the world back together again.

Full of themes such as strength, unity, defying odds, fragmented families, poverty, love, and magic, The Hidden Star is ultimately a story of how we can accomplish great things if we believe in ourselves, despite the odds stacked against us.

The Hidden Star is a children’s book, probably for kids 10-14 (the main characters seem to be 11 or 12 years old), and it does sometimes read that way, but it doesn’t distract from how lovely this book is. I don’t usually go for this type of book naturally, but the synopsis intrigued me and I also thought it would be a great read for my #ReadAfrica2018 challenge.

I hadn’t heard about Kabelo Sello Duiker beforehand, but after reading the book I looked up more information about the writer. He sadly committed suicide in 2005, but there are two other books that he wrote and were published before his death that I must read. So sad that such a talented author is no longer amongst us, but I’m glad that this beautiful novel was not lost and was edited and published posthumously. There are some very important themes in it that we could all do with thinking more about.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy of this book!

[KA Timbuktu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soweto Harry Potter! Yes - the Hidden Star or rather The Hidden Kwezi is our own black African Harry Potter! You're in for a thrilling South African epic fantasy with a touch of traditional folklore & magical realism .This beautifully written African Alice in wonderland threesome adventure reads pretty much like the Harry Potter series with the kasi nerd -- young, gifted & black Nolitye unleashing her hidden superpowers in fighting & protecting herself & her two smart besties against the Spoilers -- badass school bullies -- & the evil forces of MaMtonga the dark villain. The surreal stories in this wonderful book took me down the memory lane of lullaby folktales of my formaive childhood told by my grandmother. Such treasured childhood memories!

[Mzondeki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read all three of K. Sello Duiker's novels and this being his last before his death, I think Duiker's task was very specific: to create blueprints for African storytelling that is guided by a child-like curiosity. I think he was saying "This is how far we also can go, further even." Beautiful stuff.

[Sipho Lukhele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a real treat, even though I realised at least 30% into the book, that I should have read it for my kids. I am even uncertain for which audience it is written for, but I enjoyed it a lot.

The story is about Nolitje, whom one can say is an orphan until the last two chapters of the book. She has a hobby of collecting stones, which made no sense, until she came across a special one with special powers. Themes of friendship, witchcraft, bullying and education are covered in the book. It is easy to read, with chapters, and for a change and very first time, it is a happy reading and not deep stuff that I read when I was introduced to Sello Duiker. I can confirm that South Africa lost a giant in him, at an early stage.

I highly recommend this book.

[Karen K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey deep into South Africa, where heroine Nolitye navigates life in a township of "squeezed-in shacks, dusty streets, shebeens and other small corner stores, and stray dogs." Nolitye, her friends Four Eyes and Bheki, and school bully Rotten Nellie are about 11-12 years old. The novel mixes elements of real life (school bullying, friendship, absent parents, disappearing children, rock collection) with magical realism (talking dogs and wildlife, evil witches, journey to a fantasy world, magical powers).

The themes here are potent: family; community; youth power and heroics; ancient cultural wisdom; good vs. evil; persistence. Magical elements resonate throughout scenery, cultures, and myths of South Africa. Fans of the HARRY POTTER series, or Tomi Adeyemi's CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE will likely savor this adventure. A solid choice for middle-grade or HS classroom discussion, or as a read-aloud.

Prizewinning author K. Sello Duiker (who came of age in Soweto) is a masterful storyteller; the world is richer that this fairy-tale-like novel was edited (by Annari van der Merwe, one of the author's close friends) and published following the author's tragic death, too young, too soon.

This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley.

[Mbali (flowahh_) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Eleven-year old Nolitye’s granny used to say: If you mess with a woman, you mess with a stone.”

Set in South Africa, in a township called Phola, K Sello Duiker tells the story of Nolitye, her best friend Bheki and her new friend “Four-eyes” who after finding a magical stone have to go on a quest to save the world from evil. The Hidden Star reads is the perfect mix of real-life such as school, bullying, friendship and magical realism - talking dogs, evil witches and magical powers.

So when I started reading this I was so nervous because the author is known for his gut-wrenching stories which will leave you crying in the wee-hours of the morning. I eventually let my guard down when I realised that this read would be more “light-hearted” than TQVOD and Thirteen Cents - which reminds me ig: spinesandtitles pointed out that Nolitye and Bheki’s friendship reminds her of Tshepo and Mmabatho’s (which I totally agree with). But even though this read wasn’t as dark as Duiker’s previous work, he was still able to discuss abject poverty, absent parents and disappearing children.

This was the perfect way to “end” my three year long with this young but brilliant writer. May his wonderful soul Rest In Peace 🤍.

[AJ Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

I didn't find this story in particular very exciting, and I'm not a huge fan of fantasy, however, I really liked the things that made up the overall story. I liked the blending of various South African myths and tales into the story. I imagine all the fantasy elements - magic, and talking animals, and spirits, and magical stones - would appeal to the 9-13 age level this book is aimed at, even if it's not my favorite genre. And because it's written by a South African, and not a story by an outsider, the fact that these kids live in a township and are quite plainly very poor isn't discussed, it's just a fact of their lives and it doesn't have to be examined through the lens of an outsider author, which is important. Fantasy stories can take place in any setting, and this is a good addition to the genre in my opinion.

[Zina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I reached the end of the book, I wasn’t quite ready for it to end. Throughout, I couldn’t keep away from thinking just how amazing a children’s author K Sello Duiker would’ve been. He gives the little characters he writes about powerful voices (remember Blue from Thirteen Cents?).

I enjoyed the imagery so much! I enjoyed the depiction of a township life, the vividness of Rex and the friends, uNcitjane, iZim. Ntate Matthews was my fave- I feel like each one of us has one in their family, only this time he wasn’t just a nobody- he was gifted. Mahn, I could go on! I also enjoyed the simplicity of the writing, as well as the retelling of folklores I grew up listening to, and kids just being kids. The child in me is so happy!

[Lisa Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nolitye lives in Phola, a township in South Africa. It is full of tin-roofed shacks, talking dogs, and stones. And now, Nolitye has found a stone with a spirit who tasks her with a quest. Her best friend, Bheki, and her new friend, Four-Eyes, help her find the missing pieces and undo the black magic of the witches. A magical story rich with the flavor of South Africa.

[Jill CD · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of magical realism in this fascinating story set in South Africa. You go from magical stones to talking packs of dogs to old woman who are night riders. The folklore is intriguing and the plot is fast paced to keep you engaged. Kids who enjoy fantasy, folklore, and adventure will enjoy this book.

[Tall Ayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful and heartwarming story. The book revolves around magical stones with special powers, and it draws you into a world filled with wonder and imagination. The storyline is simple yet captivating, making it an enjoyable read from beginning to end.
This book is especially great for children, as it sparks creativity and teaches gentle lessons in a fun and magical way.

[Karis Swank · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down at the beginning but then something happened and I didn’t really want to finish it! The characters were developed beautifully though, I could really tell their personalities and visualize them!

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had the potential to be something really special if the author had lived long enough to revise it, but sadly, he died tragically young. As it is, this book a mess. It really needs strong editing on every level.

[Prince Mondise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey!

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad a little juvenile but that was probably the intended audience.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great mythical story kept me gripped aimed for young readers but still good for adults. K. Sello Duiker was a great writer

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

South Africa. Magical. Rich- “And home is never far away when you believe in it.”

[Nicci Legoka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical 👌🏾

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best book I have ever come across with

[K.A. Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting blend of mysticism and township life in South Africa.

[Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about it. So eager to read now

[Micaela Browde · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could have known Kabelo Duiker. He clearly deeply felt the magic and the pain of this world.

[Vanya De Lang · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 star. I really enjoyed the adventure of this book. With a different viewpoint of South African township life, it gives you a new perspective of life.

[Lunae Mobide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this❤️

[Renei · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a not bad book, it's just that for me the ending was disappointing and seemed kinda rushed? I dunno maybe I'm used to slowburns or something

[Denise Reed · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story plot didn’t interest me. I stopped reading at chapter one. It was talking about magical stones, talking dogs and monsters that eat children

[Between2_worlds · Rating 2 out of 5]

Utterly disappointed.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in South Africa, a magical tale of Nolitye’s journey to find out how her father died. Nolitye likes to collect stones and one day fines a lonely aqua-purplish stone, that speaks to her and thus begins her magical journey.
ARC from Net Galley.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

CJ’s review (age 10) - I recommend this book. Nothing bad about it. I liked the mystery and how the main characters worked together. There was a lot of surprises and suspense.

[Ugochinyelu Anidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could have given it 6 stars, I would have!