The Garbage King

By Debbie Chown

Although quite challenging, I love this book. Elizabeth Liard, the author, has been to Ethiopia (the setting of this story) many times and knows exactly what she is talking about and therefore, writes with extreme knowledge and understanding of the lives lead by children in Ethiopia. Her characters are based around real people and the story is very close to the truth. I think all who read it will be deeply touched and moved.

Garbage King is the nickname given to Mamo, who is the main character in the story. Mamo has no home, no money, no education and no-one to look after him. Also, living in the same area is Dani: a rich, talented, educated boy with everything that Mamo could ever dream of. But despite their huge differences in lifestyle the two boys end up together, in the same situation and with no-one to trust but each other. No-one would ever guess the adventures that they each get up to but all would agree, after reading it, that it has a spectacular ending.

I would definitely recommend this book to all my friends as this thrilling tale of two boy’s epic lives is most certainly worth reading. I also found this book very touching, because many of us are very similar to Dani and rarely think about how lucky we are. We don’t appreciate the roof over our heads and the option of three meals a day. Many teenagers nowadays take school, clothes, shows, family and medicine for granted. Furthermore, I find many characters in this book resemble people like us even though they have a different culture and lifestyle. Ordinary people who are quiet, with big imaginations, and are very independent, thoughtful and aware of others. I hope others who read this book are just as surprised as I was and enjoy reading it.