The Book Reveiw of The Garbage King written by Elizabeth Laird

"The Garbage King” was inspired by the true story of an African childhood lived on the edge of destitution. It is a gritty, deeply moving story that takes the reader on an unforgettable emotional journey, showing how the human spirit can triumph in the harshest of worlds.

Set in Ethiopia’s capital city, Addis Ababa. The Garbage King tells the story of two very different boys, Mamo and Dani. Mamo is from a very poor family, his mother has just died and now there is only his sister, Tiggist, and himself. If they can’t get a job soon, they’ll end up on the streets. One day when Tiggist is out, Mamo is taken by a man claiming to be his uncle, who it turns out is a slave trader and he takes Mamo far away from the city and sells him to a cruel farmer. Lost in despair Mamo can see no way out.

Dani, on the other hand, is from a rich and privileged background.

Never able to live up to his father’s expectations, Dani is protected by his ailing mother. However when she is so sick she has to go to London for treatment, things turn for the worse for Dani. His father is going to send him away to Jigjiga to live with Feisal who would bully and terrorise Dani and make him into something. In desperation, Dani runs away from home.

Fate brings the two boys together, both of whom are on the run. Their only means of survival is each other and this is where the heart of the story lies.