The Ear, the Eye and the Arm

The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm is a children's science fiction book authored by American writer Nancy Farmer, which received a Newbery Honor. The story is set in Zimbabwe during the year 2194 and combines elements of science fiction with African cultural influences, centering on the offspring of a security chief as they navigate a technologically advanced yet crime-plagued metropolis.

Plot

In Zimbabwe of 2194, General Matsika, the Chief of Security, strives to suppress widespread gang activity. His three children—Tendai, Rita, and Kuda—reside in a heavily secured home but yearn for excitement to earn their Scout Badge. Assisted by the Mellower, their parents' traditional praise singer, they manage to escape. However, they are soon abducted in Mbare Musika and coerced into laboring in plastic mines under the control of the She Elephant, a trafficker of children. To locate them, their parents employ three mutant investigators known as the Ear (possessing acute auditory senses), the Eye (with exceptional vision akin to a hawk’s), and the Arm (who has empathic abilities).

Tendai discovers that the She Elephant intends to sell them to the Masks, a gang evading General Matsika's enforcement efforts. The children flee to Resthaven, a self-governed zone dedicated to preserving traditional African heritage, but are ultimately expelled. They then find shelter with Mrs. Horsepool-Worthingham, mother of the Mellower, who holds them hostage for ransom. Captured again by the She Elephant, they are taken to the Masks’ base within the Mile-High MacIlwaine skyscraper, which also houses the Gondwannan Embassy.

As Tendai faces sacrifice by the Masks’ deities, Arm becomes possessed by a mhondoro—a mythical spirit of the land—who aids in locating the children. When Arm is rendered unconscious, the mhondoro assists Tendai and her companions in overcoming the Big-Head Mask, a godlike figure. Their parents arrive on scene; the She Elephant eliminates the gang leader, and confiscated wealth is restored to impoverished communities. Reunited with their family, General Matsika grants his children increased autonomy.

Reception

Kirkus Reviews commended Farmer for delivering a "splendidly imaginative fantasy," while Publishers Weekly emphasized her integration of African motifs in envisioning Zimbabwe’s 23rd century, merging cultural tradition with futuristic technology. They recognized Farmer as "one of the most outstanding authors for young adult readers."