"The powerful story of one girl's indomitable spirit after surviving a land mine in war-ravaged southern Africa."

It is the wise old woman of the village who teaches young Sofia about the secrets in the fire. Within the flames hide all things past and all things yet to be. But not even old Muazena can see the horrors the fire holds for Sofia and her family -- not the murderous bandits who drive them from their home, and not the land mine that takes Sofia's legs.

In her long journey toward recovery, Sofia must still deal with growing up. Along the way, she discovers friends, and foes, in places she'd never expected. Through it all, Sofia draws on a strength she never knew she had, a fire of her own that's been a secret all along.

Real-life land mine victim Sofia Alface is the inspiration for Henning Mankell's stunning novel which puts a very human face on the suffering in Africa.

Key Features: Land mines, an important, high-profile issue A gripping, dramatic page-turner and a story full of hope Readers will relate to the spirited Sofia.

Taking to the meetup today

Picked up to pass on to my mother.

Found while dining with bookcrossers.

A young adult book about a girl in Mozambique who grows up in the war torn country where survival seems at times a matter of luck. I would recommend this book.

Passed to Edwardstreet while enjoying a sunny lunch date.
If you aren't familiar with Bookcrossing, take a few minutes to check out this very cool site. Bookcrossers LOVE books, and more than anything, they love to read books and then set them free for other people to find and enjoy. I would love it if you would leave a journal entry -- you can say where you found the book or how you liked it when you read it.

'Caught' this book from a Wellington Bookcrossing meetup on 5 July and been too busy to enter.
Planning to take with me on a short trip to the Gold Coast Australia and will hopefully read it on the plane. Its not very thick and should easily engross me during the flight.
I am sure it will be good - I have always enjoyed Mankell's writing ; he has absorbing plots and very good character descriptions.