Now is the Time for Running by Michael Williams

Imagine witnessing the brutal beatings and murders of your family and village.  All you have left is your brother, although older than you he has the mind of a child.  With a homemade soccer ball, and his brother's special box, Deo and Innocent head to South Africa in search of peace and the possibility of finding the father they never knew.  The trek from Zimbabwe to South Africa is tough including crossing a hazardous river and a dash through a dangerous animal preserve .  These scenes are two of the best I have ever read before.  Without spoiling, I do want to say Innocent's stash of goodies in his box is brilliant.

This is a difficult yet must-read book encompassing topics such as political cruelty, refugee abuse, drug addiction and a young boy devoted to his mentally disabled brother. Deo is a character that we care deeply about.  It is quite violent at times. When given the chance to play soccer and compete in a tournament to get his life on the right track you will be cheering Deo on as I did.  A stunning piece of historical fiction.  Recommended for those who enjoyed A LONG WALK TO WATER by Linda Sue Park reviewed here and Shooting Kabul by N. H. Senzai reviewed here which are written for younger readers but in a similar vein and fans of historical fiction and adventure.  Read as an ebook arc courtesy of Hatchette Book Group via Netgalley.