The Other Side Of Truth
The Other Side of Truth, by Beverley Naidoo, relates the story of two young Nigerian children whose mother has been killed. Their father, a journalist, speaks out against the government, so the Nigerian police have him under constant surveillance. To ensure the children’s safety, he smuggles them out of the country to live with their uncle in London. But things do not go according to plan! The resources on this page will help you understand the novel and the real life events which inspired its creation.
The Other Side of Truth (brief introduction to the novel; awards received)
Beverley Naidoo – Biography (1 hour interview on bottom of page)
A short biography of Beverley Naidoo
An interview with Beverley Naidoo about The Other Side of Truth (inspiration for the novel, research, treatment of asylum seekers in the UK, racism in South Africa). Another interview can be found here.
Writing The Other Side of Truth
Beverley Naidoo has a conversation with students about her novel
The Other Side of Truth (Books for Keeps)
Beverley Naidoo talks about the death of a close relative
Ken Saro-Wiwa
Beverley Naidoo published her novel partly in response to the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed in Nigeria in 1995. His execution provoked international outrage, with Nigeria being suspended from the Commonwealth of Nations for three years.
The assassination of Ken Saro-Wiwa (Wikipedia) – includes a copyright image of Ken Saro-Wiwa.
The Guardian’s coverage of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s death
Letter from Ken Saro-Kiwa in prison
Teaching resources
Teaching resources for The Other Side of Truth
Dossier on The Other Side of Truth