Cleave spent his early years in West Africa, which shaped his understanding of the region’s culture and challenges. This background partly inspired the Nigerian setting and themes of the novel.

While studying at Oxford, Cleave worked temporarily at Campsfield House, a UK immigration detention center. His interactions with asylum seekers from war-torn regions like Somalia and Eritrea exposed him to the harsh realities faced by refugees, inspiring his critique of the British asylum system in the novel.

Cleave has stated that becoming a parent deepened his concern for human rights and global issues.

The tragic case of Angolan asylum seeker Manuel Bravo, who committed suicide to prevent his son from being deported, profoundly impacted Cleave.

Immigration and Asylum Seekers
The novel sheds light on the difficult journeys and experiences of immigrants and asylum seekers. It highlights the challenges they face in leaving their home countries, the dangers they encounter during their journey, and the discrimination they often face upon arrival in a new land. The book encourages readers to empathize with the struggles faced by immigrants and to question the treatment they receive.

Resilience and Strength of the Human Spirit
Little Bee showcases the incredible resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Whether it's Little Bee's resilience in surviving the horrors she's witnessed, or Sarah's determination to overcome her grief and guilt, the novel highlights how people can find strength even in the darkest of circumstances.

Impact of Colonialism and Global Politics
Another prominent theme in Little Bee is the impact of colonialism and global politics on individuals and societies. The book explores the repercussions of colonial history, greed for resources, and political unrest in Nigeria, and how it affects the lives of ordinary people like Little Bee. It prompts readers to reflect on their own role in larger global issues.

Power of Connection and Compassion
The novel emphasizes the power of connection and compassion in overcoming barriers and making a difference. It underscores the importance of reaching out to those who are different from us, listening to their stories, and extending a helping hand. The novel shows that small acts of kindness and understanding can have a significant impact on the lives of others and create a more compassionate world.

Identity and Belonging
The novel is not simply a story of survival, but also a poignant exploration of the complexities of identity and belonging. Cleave sheds light on the systemic injustices faced by refugees and the inhumane policies that often hinder their chances of finding safety and stability. However, amidst the darkness, the novel also celebrates the power of human connection, empathy, and the potential for change.

Critics praised the novel for its compelling narrative and dual perspectives. The story is told alternately by Little Bee, a Nigerian asylum seeker, and Sarah, a British magazine editor. This structure was lauded for its ability to build tension and provide a deep, nuanced view of both characters' lives.

Many readers and critics found the novel emotionally powerful and engaging, often describing it as a "heart-wrenching" or "thought-provoking" read. The book's ability to evoke empathy for its characters was frequently highlighted as one of its strengths.

Reader reviews on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon were generally positive, with many praising the book for its gripping storyline and emotional depth. Some readers, however, found certain elements of the plot or character decisions to be unrealistic or contrived.

The novel sparked conversations about the real-life issues it depicted, such as the plight of refugees and the complexities of immigration policies. It contributed to a broader awareness and discussion of these topics among its readership.

"The Other Hand" is generally perceived as a powerful, thought-provoking novel that successfully tackles difficult and timely issues through a compelling narrative and strong central characters. While it received some criticism for certain narrative choices and character development, its emotional impact and relevance to contemporary social issues made it a significant work in the landscape of modern fiction.