Michael Williams (7) (1962–)

Heartbreaking, all too common immigrant story, but this one is about two young boys fleeing Zimbabwe for South Africa after soldiers destroy their town. One boy is Neurodiverse and beautifully written as such -- clearly a challenge for his brother and also a source of strength and joy. The other is a gifted soccer player. Gorgeous, and deeply moving.

Patson Moyo and his family journey to the diamond fields of Zimbabwe in hopes of escaping dire poverty. Life is a daily struggle for Patson and the other workers, worsened by the atrocities committed against them when President Robert Mugabe decides to take over the mines. Map, Author’s Note, The Diamond Fields of Marange, Land Mines, Glossary.

The characters are still with me, days after finishing this story of a teen in modern day Zimbabwe. The contrast between a normal middle class life as a school boy, playing soccer and texting friends and the search for work with the diamond cartels creates a frightening glimpse into the start contrasts of Southern Africa.
Michael Williams is on my favorite author list now.

A powerful, compelling story that is a worthy companion to Williams's excellent Now is the Time for Running (2011).