Great review of Escape from the Child Snatchers in The Telegraph

Extracts from review by Emily Bearn, The Telegraph

A fast-paced work of historical fiction inspired by ethnological expositions – or “human zoos” – that took place in Victorian London, in which “exotic” children would be made to perform to a gawping public.

This book takes us back further, and like Ahmed’s previous novels will provide plenty of scope for classroom discussions on the iniquities of colonial Britain.

That doesn’t mean that any “messages” slow the plot. There are no footnotes or dates, and history lessons are kept to a minimum.  Instead, young readers will find a galloping adventure story – which, at barely 200 pages, is likely to be devoured in a single sitting

Posted on January 29, 2026