“The Troublesome Threesome in Trouble” by Abdul Sabur Kidwai (KidPub Press, 2014) is the second volume of the young adult series based on the adventures of three school boys. His first young adult novel, “The Troublesome Threesome Foil a Bank Robbery”, was published four years ago.
Three mischievous schoolboys, Richard, George and Henry, are the protagonists. However, in this second short novel, they encounter in their school another trio which competes with them in pranks and mirrors them in their actions. The first chapter serves as scene setting, reintroducing Richard, Henry and George to new readers, and then briefly summarises previous incidents.
Thus the young reader can easily identify with the characters.
The ensuing chapters recount the episodic encounters between the rival groups. But, as in any adolescent text, the alliances of friendship vacillate and the competition and jealousies ebb and flow.
Wisely, a seventh character, Edgar, “negotiates” between the two groups. The school director is portrayed as an officious, humourless type, a contrast with the lively and bored school boys who are constantly seeking to enliven their somewhat staid environment.
The short novel is not restricted to adventures but explores questions of morality. When does mischief become harmful? What do loyalty and friendship mean?
The climax brings surprising revelations.
Nevertheless, the epilogue chapter opens the way to another novel to follow, perhaps with new characters, indicating that mischief among schoolboys will always occur.
The vocabulary will challenge the young reader but, simultaneously, will encourage him to explore new words. The delightful phrasing of the writer is best illustrated by the punishment threatened by the director, Mr Grumpy: “I shall make you eat extra-mint ice cream with peanut butter and salt.”
The book is a delightful read aimed at schoolboys from 8 to 80 who will recall adventures of present and past years.
(The writer is Professor Emeritus University of Colorado, USA)
