Salamander Man

By: James A. Wolter
Publication Date: April 15, 2025
ISBN: 979-8315603702
Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki
Review Date: April 24, 2025

Salamander Man by James A. Wolter is an emotionally charged coming-of-age tale about a boy whose social inclusion, acceptance, confidence, and self-worth are jeopardized by a sickness that leaves him unable to use his legs.

Mohamed Idris bin Mohamed Ibrahim was born strong and healthy until the age of four, when he contracted polio, which he dubs the "evil eye." At this point, his legs became "useless twisted stumps," which earned him the scorn of his peers and the nickname "Salamander Man." He would further develop a biting obsession with finding ways to outdo other boys to "feel like a king" time and again. None, however, could be sustained. At the age of six, his desire to attend Tengku Bariah Primary School was quashed by a headmaster who warned his father that the school was not for "his kind." This not only gravely crushed his spirits, but also drove the sharp-edged blade of rejection further into his flesh.

Idris switched to homeschooling, where his mother taught him to read. In just two years, he was able to read and comprehend books that would have taken other children six years. His uncle Rashid, moved by the headmaster's brutality, vowed to bring school to him. Other individuals also came forward to help him study, including Mr. Chadwick of the Continental Bank, who offered to let him use the bank's conference room for his studies, and Father Chao, a Catholic father who would teach him Chinese. An unexpected decision, however, threatened to jeopardize his happiness shortly after a new manager took over the bank. Fortunately for Idris, Chadwick had come up with a strategy that would significantly lessen the blow.

Wolter expertly captures the misery of a disabled youngster, his identity and emotional challenges, and his seemingly never-ending quest for acceptance and affection in this meticulously crafted tale. He skillfully demonstrates the individual's genius potential in a world that repeatedly falls short of his expectations. The boy's tale is emotionally charged and profoundly shows his fleeting optimism and his continual descent into a familiar abyss, where he feels deeply alienated. As shown in subsequent chapters, the themes progressively transition to those of development, mentorship and independence with the advent of a "companion" amidst a toxic neighborhood. In addition to emphasizing the power of optimism, the narrative skillfully explores the inner strength required to achieve the aforementioned feats.

Despite gloomy incidents, including a tragic event that impacts the protagonist's personal life, Wolter has managed to incorporate historical and cultural details that deflect the novel from its intense emotional weight. He does not sugarcoat the realities of handicap and societal stigma. He has also remarkably incorporated literary and theological references from the Christian and Islamic faiths, giving the protagonist's inner life and world more depth.

Quill says: Wolter's Salamander Man is filled with metaphor and symbolism, and his narration beautifully creates an immersive atmosphere. Although the narrative has a realistic core, it regularly wanders into the surreal, with dream sequences enhancing it. Without a doubt, this book contains valuable lessons that anybody who appreciates real stories with deep emotional and philosophical relevance should read, regardless of their religious beliefs. The featured journey is subtly memorable and ought to be gradually studied, savored, and shared.