Plot summary, “The Ear, the Eye and the Arm” by Nancy Farmer in 4 Minutes - Book Review
1"The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" is a science fiction novel written by Nancy Farmer, first published in 1994. The story is set in a futuristic Zimbabwe, where technology has advanced significantly, resulting in a society vastly different from our own. The novel follows the adventures of three siblings: Tendai, Rita, and Kuda, who are the children of General Matsika, a wealthy and influential man. Despite their privileged upbringing, the children are kept sheltered within the family's compound due to safety concerns. However, they long for freedom and adventure beyond the walls of their home. Their chance for excitement comes when they convince their parents to let them explore the city on their own. But disaster strikes when they are kidnapped by a group of criminals known as the She Elephant gang. The children are taken to the City of Bones, a dangerous and lawless area ruled by the notorious criminal mastermind, the She Elephant. Desperate to find their children, General Matsika enlists the help of three unconventional detectives: the Ear, the Eye, and the Arm. These detectives possess extraordinary abilities: the Ear can hear over great distances, the Eye has exceptional vision, and the Arm has superhuman strength. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through the city to rescue the Matsika children. As the story unfolds, the children and their captors navigate through a series of thrilling and often bizarre encounters, encountering strange creatures, advanced technology, and mystical forces along the way. Themes of family, identity, and the consequences of unchecked ambition are woven throughout the narrative, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read for both young adult and adult readers alike. Nancy Farmer's imaginative world-building and well-developed characters make "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" a memorable and captivating novel that has garnered critical acclaim and won several prestigious awards, including the Newbery Honor Award and the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award.