The Street Hawker's Apprentice

A Dickensian tale of two young boys from opposite sides of the track who form a bond of brotherhood and friendship as they survive the streets of Lagos.

Temilola is a kind-hearted boy from the upper echelons of Nigerian society who wakes up alone in the middle of Lagos and discovers that he has lost his memory. He soon finds that this is the least of his problems, as he must now attempt to survive the dangerous streets of Lagos. Vipaar, who has been making a living as a hawker of random necessities on the streets of Lagos, finds Temilola and, after a violent first encounter, reluctantly takes him under his wing. They form a strong bond as they strive to make a meagre living selling mobile phone chargers to passing motorists on the dangerous highways of Lagos. The boys navigate the ruthless underbelly of Lagos and learn just how far they will go to protect themselves and each other. When tragedy strikes, their bond is broken and they are forced to separate from each other.

Will the two friends find each other again after they both face increasing brutality, pain and sorrow? Or will their destinies have diverged enough to tear them apart forever?

“'This book is an exciting read, it gives insight into what I would imagine what Nigeria is like-a hustling, bustling and vibrant life. The story is about two boys, Temilola, a boy who grew on the rich side of life who just so happens to wake up with no recollection of his life and Vipaar the street hawker who he initially doesn't have a great encounter with, however, he takes Temilola reluctantly under his wing. This book is a page turner from start to finish and you will feel like you are in a whole movie (it would be exciting though). You go through a story where you can see what it's like to experience chaos, not feeling safe, not knowing where your next meal will be coming from, all in the all the while navigating & nurturing an unexpected a friendship brewing from the ground up. You can almost conjure the bouquet of scents that flow within the streets if you have experienced life in any African city. A Street Hawker is somebody who sells their goods by shouting his way down a street or going from door to door- otherwise known as a peddler. They sell anything they can get their hands on, chargers, sweets, drinks. Street Hawkers are a common sight all over the world, and they live dangerously with no guarantees of what the next day will hold. Street Hawkers Apprentice takes you on a ride and bubbles up emotions that simply flow with the story which make it such an enjoyable read. I think if you enjoyed Ugly Dogs Cry you will most likely enjoy this read.' -IntrovertedBlackReader, Reviewer”

'Oh, how my stomach was in knots for these two boys! Poor Temilola knows he does not belong where is but cannot remember where he does belong. Kabir Kareem-Bello did an incredible job depicting the boy's whirlwind of emotions as he tries to survive in unfamiliar surroundings. My heart was sore for him.

And speaking of sore hearts, Vipaar! Talk about a character you grow to love. Each time the narrative switched to his perspective I liked and empathised with him more. I wanted to reach into the pages and wrap him in a tight hug. Is there anything more universal than the pursuit of a happy, fulfilling life? Following him and seeing how he had to harden himself in order to survive his harsh life broke my heart because I know there are many, many children just like him.

The Street Hawker's Apprentice made me want to change the world so all children are free to follow their passions and don't have to worry about the rising price of rice. The way the relationship between the two boys develops really highlights the human instinct to love and be loved in return.

I highly recommend chef's kiss' - Michaela Woelk, Reviewer

'This book is an exciting read, it gives insight into what I would imagine what Nigeria is like-a hustling, bustling and vibrant life. The story is about two boys, Temilola, a boy who grew on the rich side of life who just so happens to wake up with no recollection of his life and Vipaar the street hawker who he initially doesn't have a great encounter with, however, he takes Temilola reluctantly under his wing.

This book is a page turner from start to finish and you will feel like you are in a whole movie (it would be exciting though). You go through a story where you can see what it's like to experience chaos, not feeling safe, not knowing where your next meal will be coming from, all in the all the while navigating & nurturing an unexpected a friendship brewing from the ground up. You can almost conjure the bouquet of scents that flow within the streets if you have experienced life in any African city.

A Street Hawker is somebody who sells their goods by shouting his way down a street or going from door to door- otherwise known as a peddler. They sell anything they can get their hands on, chargers, sweets, drinks. Street Hawkers are a common sight all over the world, and they live dangerously with no guarantees of what the next day will hold.

Street Hawkers Apprentice takes you on a ride and bubbles up emotions that simply flow with the story which make it such an enjoyable read. I think if you enjoyed Ugly Dogs Cry you will most likely enjoy this read.'

-IntrovertedBlackReader, Reviewer

Kabir Kareem-Bello was born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and moved to the UK with his family in 1992. His self-published book, Memoirs of Young African is based on his experiences as a young African migrant in the UK. He has spoken about identity and migration at a number of public events, most notably at the University of Edinburgh and Portsmouth University . He has also written about the quest for identity on his blog www.kilonshele-kkb.com. The Street Hawker's Apprentice is his first fiction novel. He is currently writing his second fiction novel and developing a documentary looking at the migration of Africans to the United Kingdom in between 1980's and 2000. He plans to launch his podcast in 2021. He graduated from Middlesex University with Business and Marketing Degree. He currently lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife and two daughters.

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