Identity and family. Two of the most difficult concepts to understand and fully grasp as a human. We live our lives not ever fully knowing who we are and where we are going, but nevertheless, we still try and find ourselves.
Nobody Saw No One by Steve Tasane tells the vivid and electrifying tale of two teenagers growing up, and discovering that their biological family may not truly be theirs. This book possesses not only great characters, with the humorous Citizen Digit and his partner, angelic Alfi Spar, but it also has a deeper meaning. It references the struggles of being a foster kid, and realising the true ugliness of life, while still seeing the beauty of what is played within.
Nobody Saw No One is a tale narrated by Byron Blank Space, AKA Citizen Digit. It centers on angelic Alfi Spar (named after the sign where Social Services found him), a kid who perfectly represents the naivety and beauty of childhood. The story tells of the two children escaping from an orphan home for delinquents, called Tenderness House. This is ironic due to the fact that there is a human trafficking system being run beneath.
Byron realizes this and escapes, leaving Alfi the evidence. Alfi escapes, making his way to London, where he encounters Byron yet again: this time while Byron is shoplifting.
The two escape from the cops, AKA “The Sherlocks”. Afterwards, Byron takes Alfi to his new place of residence and from there the past catches up to them. They then set out on a wild adventure to confront it.
What I like about this book is the way it shows Alfi growing up and being able to confront his past. In the story, Alfi is a bit of what kids my age might call a “loser.” He is a kid who is always honest, and tries not to do anything bad. He’s a goodie two shoes, to be frank. But in the sense, he presents childhood and the naivety that comes with it.
Mr. Digit, on the other hand, is an individual who represents the teenager. He’s quite funny, making all these “smart remarks,” as my folks would say. He is also a natural pickpocket, which is a useful skill when his business is hacking and stealing identities. Also, his overall character is that of a magician, disappearing himself at will.
Tasane manages to keep the thick London accent of the characters through his excellent dialogue. The way that the author communicates the characters’ thoughts is humorous. During the narration, the fourth wall breaks feel more attuned to the book and Citizen Digit.
The only thing that did slightly disappoint was the way Tasane decided to write Alfie’s point of view in italics. This made the dialogue harder to read, although it didn’t diminish the overall narration.
Overall, Nobody Saw No One is a vivid read with electrifying characters. If you are looking for a great read, and even better laughs, pick this book off the shelf, and don’t let your breath be stolen by the sheer awesomeness.
- Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop
