"The Ear, The Eye and The Arm": A Classic?

To me, a story requires several elements to become a "classic", a story that endures time. (For a more in-depth look at these elements, please see my page entitled "The Six Elements of Classic Stories".)

The Ear, The Eye and The Arm by Nancy Farmer is set during 2194. When the Zimbabwean General Matsika's children disappear, he hires three mutant detectives to find them.

Could this book become a classic? Let's evaluate that based on the six criteria I've made:

(Note: This is the short version. Go to "The Six Elements of Classic Stories for a more in-depth evaluation.)


1. Interesting Characters Different from the Everyman with Intense Emotions and Profound Problems to Solve

The protagonists are cool-headed and boring. The problem, getting the children home, is not profound.


2. A Richly Imagined World

Farmer's futuristic Africa is well-imagined.


3. A Balance Between Originality and Familiarity

Settings are balanced, as are many characters.


4. Good Writing

Tendai's and Arm's narration is weak.


5. Deep Meaning and a Message Being Spread

I don't sense any deep meaning or message in The Ear, The Eye and The Arm.


6. Potential For Discussion

There's room for discussion, but near the end of the book, I have few questions to ask.


Unfortunately, The Ear, The Eye and The Arm doesn't follow my criteria closely enough for it to become a classic. Farmer's world will be lost to time.