37 pages • 1 hour read
Stephen KelmanPigeon English
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2011A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman follows eleven-year-old Harrison (Harri) Opoku's move from Ghana to a crime-ridden London estate. Harri and his friend Dean attempt to solve a local boy's murder while navigating the challenges of their environment. Themes of innocence, experience, and the impact of violence are explored as Harri balances childhood joys and harsh realities. This book contains themes of violence, crime, and death.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Stephen Kelman's Pigeon English is praised for its authentic first-person narrative and the touching portrayal of a Ghanaian boy in London's gritty environment. Readers laud its fresh voice and poignant exploration of childhood innocence amid violence. However, some critique its pacing and predictability. Overall, it offers a compelling yet heartbreaking look at cultural dislocation and youth.
Who Should Read Pigeon English?
Readers who enjoy Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman are likely fans of coming-of-age stories and contemporary social issues. Those who appreciated The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee would find a similar blend of innocence, insight, and societal critique compelling.