First published 2011
Conor Grennan seeks adventure during a year-long global journey. He volunteers at Little Princes Children's Home in war-torn Nepal, initially uncertain about his commitment to working with children in a conflict zone. The energetic, tough children at the orphanage surprise him with their spirit and resilience. Grennan discovers a shocking truth: these children are not orphans. Traffickers convinced rural families to pay large sums to protect their children from civil war, then abandoned the kids in Kathmandu's streets. Grennan commits to reuniting each child with their family. His mission requires dangerous travel through Nepal's mountains during active warfare. He faces life-threatening injuries and harsh conditions. Back in Kathmandu, the woman who will become his wife waits anxiously, hoping he returns before winter snows trap him. Grennan's journey transforms from casual volunteer work into a life-defining mission. The memoir reveals how one person's determination can overcome seemingly impossible challenges when driven by love for vulnerable children.
Genres: family, historical-fiction, adventure, non-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family, redemption
Setting: Kathmandu, Nepal
Period: 21st Century
294 pages · Hardcover · William Morrow
Content warnings: child-abuse, trafficking, war