THE DAY OF THE DRONES

by A. M. Lightner ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 29, 1968

Because I was the darkest of the children, it was always understood that I would receive the most education and would rise highest in the state."" It's some 500 years after a holocaust that seems to have wiped out all but a small tribe in ""Africa"" and black is beautiful; white is taboo as are certain sciences--mechanics, physics. But the author still seems to feel that white is right since heroine Amhara admires most her cousin N'Gobi, light, straight-haired, the smartest, the fastest and an outcast. Her teacher's enthusiasm is Shakespeare (as is Ambara's), the country's anthem is based on Bach and one wonders how this addiction to European culture managed to gestate so overwhelmingly. Amhara and N'Gobi end up accompanying an exploratory mission in a taboo helicopter (conveniently run on sunlight) and they land in England where they find a colony of white people whose culture is based on bees, primitive rhythms and sacrifice. Amhara is attracted to one handsome ""drone."" Evan, and after many adventures they will escape bringing enlightenment (a complete set of Shakespeare) and (hopefully) an end to prejudice back to Africa. Obviously well meant but an unintentional, insensitive slam at African heritage and developing cultures.

Pub Date: Jan. 29, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Norton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1968

Categories: FICTION