The Boy Who Speaks in Numbers is a darkly satiric account of childhood in times of war. Set in Sri Lanka, the events it narrates could equally happen elsewhere — in all places where human deaths are reduced to numbers and guns do not differentiate between adults and children. Mike Masilamani’s ironic narrative centres around an unnamed boy, who is at home with numbers rather than words. Along with a constantly chattering — and prophetic cow — he bears witness to a bizarre and violent time. UK-based illustrator Matthew Frame’s textured illustrations are a powerful testimony to the horror of prolonged civil strife.
