Jungle Thorn

by Norma R. Youngberg

"Jungle Thorn" is the story of a young girl named Kondima who lived in the jungles of Borneo. One day, while playing with the village children, she suffers an injury which results in permanent damage to her eye. This injury later develops into an infection and Kondima not only loses the sight in her eye, she becomes horribly disfigured. During this time, Kondima becomes friends with the Tuan, a missionary who frequently visits the village. The Tuan urges Kondima's parents to let her go to Singapore to receive medical treatment. The story unfolds as Kondima embarks on a journey that not only restores her health, but leads her to Jesus.

130 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1951

Reviews

[Elisabeth Niederman]

Kondima was playing, when she fell and pierced her eye with a thorn. Now she must travel far away to Singapore where the doctors can help her. While she is there, she learns about Jesus.

This is a very cute book with a very easy reading style. It has the beauty of being frank, and is interesting for children and adults. This book is also very easily read aloud.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the books I read over and over while growing up. Specific scenes still stay with me: Kondima's white and pink pajamas, the wonderful banana packets used to cook food, adventures in the village and at sea. Writing about it, many of the simple and just right illustrations come to mind, for instance the way Kondima's post-haircut tendrils framed her face. I wonder if it would seem outdated to someone reading it now. But perhaps there is something universal in the story, a girl's heroic journey.

[Wayfaring Stranger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best mission books! I was thoroughly freaked out at the glass eyeball part as a child of 9.

[Kody · Rating 4 out of 5]

really amazing book about Kondima and Jesus!

[Thespian999 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book. It's a nice Sunday read.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good mission story