Discrimination
Discrimination is a dominant topic in the novel. The Other Side of Truth shows the difficulties immigrants go through in the United Kingdom, including racism. When Sade and her brother start going to school, they are bullied because of their skin color. Sade does her best to protect her brother from bullies who compare him to a monkey. In addition, opportunities are limited for immigrants because Sade's father takes a long time before he gets a job. Therefore, the novel explores the evils of discrimination against immigrants. Discrimination limits the immigrants' potential to excel in a foreign land.
Family Strength
One of the main topics in The Other Side of Truth by Beverly Naidoo is family. A family is a close-knit unit that stands for each other even during difficult times. Sade, Femi, and their father are a Nigerian family that faces tribulations but still bonds to the end. The father is a prominent journalist for the opposition, and his role is to expose the ills of corruption and military violence. Unfortunately, the father becomes a wanted man for exposing a major government scandal, and he secretly flees the country. The father sends his two children to England to stay with their uncle. However, Sade and Femi never meet their uncle, and they stay with foster families. The father is later arrested when he arrives in England because he is an illegal immigrant. Despite the separation from his children, the father keeps in touch with his children until the end, when they meet. Naidoo shows readers that a family gives one a sense of belonging and hope. Therefore, the Nigerian family described in the novel manages to bond, despite living in different places.
Trauma
Trauma is another vital theme in the novel The Other Side of Truth. Initially, Sade and Femi are unwilling to leave their country because they are mourning the death of their mother. However, the children do not have an option because the state is after the blood of their father. Throughout their lives in England, the reader notices that Sade and Femi are traumatized because the memory of their mother is still fresh in their minds. The reader also realizes that Femi spends most of his time alone, thinking he is suffering because his mother is not around. Therefore, trauma is evident throughout the text because even after reuniting with their father, the children still want to return to Nigeria to reunite with their extended family.
