I'd like to share a book I just finished that I do not believe will get as much limelight as it deserves. The writing is beautiful. The subject matter not as much, but it is important! Because, even though the story itself takes place in Africa, I believe it transcends borders. The book, The Garden Of Burning Sand by Corban Addison was a great book.

                                         

Wonderfully written story about such weighty issues in Africa in the early 2000's. Rape is called defilement and is unfortunately rampant. AIDS and HIV are still such illnesses on the forefront and a leading cause of death. And threats, violence, and back door deals are the norm.

But, in the background, there is such beauty in the rest. So many amazingly humble, beautifully outraged, and softly willing to keep trying to make changes.

Enter the main character, Zoe, an American living in Zimbabwe. Her mother introduced her to the good in Africa and in Africans most of all. Zoe works as a legal aide and also with a humanitarian outfit, doing what she can to help the people she has come to love.

When a 14 yr old girl with special needs is raped, the office she works with lands the investigation. The girl becomes special to her, and as the investigation, which brings them all 10 years into the past, deepens; so does the lead investigator.

Complications ensue. Bring in the threats, violence, and back door deals. There are discoveries that do what seem, more harm than good. And in some ways, her own family is always a factor. For Zoe has a dark secret of her own.

Have you read anything that has just resonated with you lately?