The Year the Gypsies Came, by Linzi Glass, is a heartbreaking yet heartwarming novel set in apartheid Johannesburg, South Africa. The story is about tomboy Emily Iris, her older, flawless sister Sarah, and their self-centered, bickering parents, who welcome travelers and vagabonds into their home to ease their constant arguing and create the façade of a perfect home. Buza, the elderly Zulu watchman, is Emily’s constant companion, along with her sister. One year, when Emily is 12 years old, her parents invite the Mallorys, a “gypsy” family of traveling rovers – a wildlife photographer, his wife, their mentally retarded son Otis, and their younger son Streak, who is Emily’s age- to stay with them. The Mallorys’, a dysfunctional family in themselves, frighten everyone, especially Emily, and Emily and her family are transformed and devastated by their stay.
Linzi Glass has created a beautiful story of love, tragedy, and hope. The eloquence of her writing raises the English language to a whole other level of brilliance. Johannesburg, the author’s native city, is elevated to a state of exquisiteness. Emily Iris and other endearing characters will capture your heart, just like this book. The Year the Gypsies Came is a definite must-read.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aurora, Colorado United States
