First published 2012
Twelve-year-old Lukobola lives near the Great Zimbabwe ruins with his parents and little sister. When the storyteller Noni throws bones to predict his future, she sees only blood, guns, and tears. Luka's cousin Selo arrives for his rite of passage ceremony but brings disturbing news about Zimbabwe's troubles. The family must flee across the border to Botswana to escape danger. President Mugabe's soldiers shoot Luka in the leg and leave him to die. A Doctors Without Borders helicopter rescues him, but he discovers his village was destroyed by fire. While recovering at Groote Schuur Hospital in South Africa, Luka mourns his lost family and regrets missing his chance to find his spiritual guide. He befriends Ann, a white Cape Town City Ballet student working as a hospital aide. Ann and her father welcome Luka into their home. He begins attending school and reunites with his little sister. Finally, he completes his rite of passage into manhood.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, coming-of-age, political-thriller, africa, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Great Zimbabwe, Botswana, Groote Schuur Hospital, South Africa
Period: 20th-century
136 pages · Paperback · CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Content warnings: violence