All the Glimmering Stars: A Novel

by Mark T. Sullivan

Inspired by a true story, two teens kidnapped by an African warlord find salvation through love in a powerful and healing historical novel from the #1 bestselling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Last Green Valley.

Anthony Opoka and Florence Okori are coming of age in Uganda in the 1990s. Outstanding students, they believe in being good humans before they are kidnapped and forced into the fanatical Lord’s Resistance Army.

In a legion of young recruits, no one gets closer than Anthony to powerful messianic warlord Joseph Kony and his darkest secrets. To stay sane as he spirals through chaos, Anthony clings to his childhood lessons about being a good human. Florence’s upbringing grounds her, too, helping her keep her dreams alive even as she’s pulled deeper into the insanity of Kony’s war.

At the lowest points of their lives, certain they’ll never go home, Anthony and Florence meet by chance, fall in love, and begin to dream of surviving their captivity. They devote their lives to helping their fellow child soldiers escape bondage and return to their families and redemption by following the stars.

By turns tender, shocking, moving, desperate, and ultimately triumphant, Florence and Anthony’s story is an epic drama of humanity, a life-affirming tale, and an experience readers will never forget.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Africa, Book Club, Historical, Audiobook, War

480 pages, Hardcover

First published May 7, 2024

About the author

Mark T. Sullivan (b. 1958) is an author of thrillers. Born in a Boston suburb, he joined the Peace Corp after college, traveling to West Africa to live with a tribe of Saharan nomads. Upon returning to the United States, he took a job at Reuters, beginning a decade-long career in journalism that would eventually lead to a job as an investigative reporter for the San Diego Tribune.

Sullivan spent the winter of 1990 living with a group of skiers in Utah and Wyoming, and used the experience as the foundation for his first novel, The Fall Line (1994). In 1995 he published Hard News, a thriller based on his work as a reporter, and a year later he released The Purification Ceremony, which won the WH Smith Award for Best New Talent. His most recent work is Private Games (2012), which he co-authored with James Patterson. Sullivan lives with his family in Montana, where he skis, hunts, and practices martial arts.

Reviews

[Canadian Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

LRA. The Lord’s Resistance Army. Teenage boys and girls kidnapped and recruited in Uganda, 1994. Time to take up arms for a ruthless war Lord, Joseph Kony.

The terrifying war with teen soldiers who became merciless. Trained during brutal conditions. Pushed to the frontlines without weapons as an initiation. The gruelling treks and near starvation. The brainwashing, the abuse, the inhumanity these soldiers suffered.

Opoka has survived with them for 3 years and is now The radioman for Kony himself. The hate he feels for the man hasn’t dwindled but he never revealed his true feelings. He survived by being the best human he was raised to be. He met Florence. Another kidnapped victim whose dreams were shattered. They become each other’s hope and future that one day they will be free of the LRA.

The resilience and the ability to put into practice the 4 voices of suffering; the power of love, gratitude and forgiveness.

**This is based on Anthony & Florence Opoka - child soldiers of the LRA. A must read are the author’s notes and the afterword from Anthony & Florence.**

A bit lengthy and slow at times but a worthy read.
4.25⭐️

[Andrea | andrea.c.lowry.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a great while I read a book so profound that I just can’t come up with a review for it. Nothing I attempt to put into words will come close to expounding on how truly moving, important, gripping and emotionally engaging this story was. In other words, this book has left me completely and utterly speechless.

But I’m still gonna try…

All the Glimmering Stars is a story with history, action, drama, hope and triumph. It is a MUST read historical fiction that shines a light on an important and horrific part of Ugandan history and life for those living there. I felt so connected to each character he introduced throughout the storyline, and found myself completely wrapped up in the lives and emotions of the two main characters, while being transported into their world.

As always, Sullivan does immaculate research when compiling an unforgettable story. I stayed up very late many nights simply because I couldn't go to sleep not knowing what would happen next.

I was truly amazed at the how well Sullivan wrote shocking moments throughout the story that Anthony and Florence were forced to endure, but there were also so many uplifting moments to cherish as their love grew, continued to never give up their hopes of freedom, and their spirits radiated till the very last page.

Overall, this is an outstanding and masterful book. Mark Sullivan has told another important, eye opening, and never-to-be forgotten story. And, you too will find yourself utterly speechless and have tears streaming down your face at the end.

All the stars!!

Thank you Lake Union Publishing for this gift a book and exchange for my honest opinions.

[Stephanie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

5**

Mark Sullivan vaults another historical fiction novel into the universe with an indescribably horrific and beautiful true story of two kidnapped teenagers forced into the terrorist LRA (Lord’s Republican Army) in the Sudan/Uganda civil war in the ‘90’s - 2000’s. Just imagine as a teenager growing your crops, going to school, enjoying your family when you are taken at gunpoint, forced to march hundreds of miles through brutal desert, jungles, and raging rivers with nearly no food, water, and terrified for your life.

You are wrenched away from your family, branded a traitor to your country, and then unimaginably forced to kill young children with bayonets, guns larger than yourself, and stomping on their corpses to prove your loyalty to the regime who kidnapped you. Imagine giving birth through the crossfire of a heated battle, giving coordinates for soldiers to kidnap thousands of 10-year-olds from their families, being told that your own family is no more simply because the lie would serve to bring out the anger from you.

You are not given antibiotics or painkillers but rather mushrooms and salt to clean your wounds after having your arm nearly ripped off from mortar shells. These horrors, and so much more, Sullivan brings to light so that you briefly become part of the war, and you do not have the option of becoming numb like so many of the soldiers did to survive.

Yet, somehow two young people - the radio operator to the commander and nurse who tended to his wounds - somehow find each other through the impossible odds to create their own story of hope and love. They learn the philosophy of what is more dangerous than the war, and that is the loss of hope.

The strength, the courage, the resiliency, the impossibly immoral mandates, the redemption and healing are so masterfully interwoven that this is a MUST READ for anyone! Look to this glimmering star of a novel to garner inspiration of grit and perseverance.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book all the stars in the sky, I would. This historical fiction book is EXTRAORDINARY. The power of love carries two humans through unimaginable, heart wrenching, horrific conditions. This is based on true events, and I applaud the author for telling this story in a way that I could digest it without graphic details. The themes weaved throughout call us to be better humans. I am forever changed by this incredible narrative.
If you loved The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah—you will enjoy this book too.

I am honored to have been selected to receive an advanced gifted copy.

[Taury · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 round up to 4

All the Glimmering Stars by Mark T. Sullivan is a coming-of-age novel set in the jungles of Uganda, Africa, during the 1990s. The author weaves a tale of kidnapping and adventure, enriched by strong character development. Sullivan captures a wide range of emotions, portraying human resilience and hope, taking readers into a world where every star tells a story. Though not as enjoyable as Beneath a Scarlet Sky, which remains my top favorite, it was an entertaining and well-researched book that offered a unique narrative. Some parts were violent and nauseating, and having remembered the Joseph Kony (Lords Resistent Army) Kidnappings, the violence felt even more harrowing.

[Meghan Zavos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to LOVE this book because I am a huge fan of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Last Green Valley… unfortunately, this one missed the mark as I found it to be much slower and less detailed. It often felt like I was just reading someone regurgitate information rather than drawing a detailed picture, which was a different experience from what Mark has done with his past books.

But I think if you can keep in mind that this is a story about real people, it’s incredibly powerful and touching. Anthony and Flo are such lovable people and when their stories connected I found myself more invested. Flo giving birth in the middle of absolute chaos BY HERSELF was one of the most emotional and powerful moments I’ve ever read. Hell yea to women!! I didn’t know much of anything about Kony or the LRA, so that was interesting to learn about. I loved the theme of the shopkeepers 4 voices; Lack, Violence, Fear, and Rush, it was giving Alchemist vibes and I have been trying to identify these voices as the show up in my life.

READ THE AUTHORS NOTE AND AFTERWORD!!! The authors note and afterword elevated this read from a 3.5 star read to a 4! It always amazing me to learn how Mark comes across such amazing people with incredible stories. He is either one heck of a lucky guy or well connected man… maybe both!

While I struggled to get into this book, I will be thinking about it for a very long time… and anything that leaves that big of a lasting impression on me is something that I will recommend to others.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful cover called out to me as I was browsing my local bookstore. I recognized the author’s name and decided to take a chance. This book called out to me and I’ll forever be changed after reading it. This is a difficult story to read, but a necessary one. It should be required reading. This author did some phenomenal research and I’m so excited to read more from him. I knew nothing of Kony or the LRA, but I do now. Anthony and Florence’s story will be with me forever. Also, towards the beginning of the story, Anthony has an encounter with a shop owner who speaks some wise words to Anthony. As the story goes on, Anthony reflects back on those words and they are woven throughout the book. I think I highlighted several pages worth because I know I should go back and read when I’m having some hard days. This book will be added to my lifetime favorites list!

“Try to be a better human in some way every day. And whenever you are confused about anything in life, not sure what to do, ask yourself this question: what would a good human do?” George Opoka

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:13

[Lexie Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story worth telling and reading but the writing style was not for me…the writing felt choppy and something that went on and on without the need to. I never skip pages but found myself skip over 200 and I could pick back up the story without any issues. Regardless I learned a lot about this part of Africa in culture, lifestyle and community.

[Joy D · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Anthony realized that even though he lived now in near-constant fight-or-flight mode, he still remembered right from wrong, still knew what it was to be a good human. And he decided that everything about Kony and the LRA was wrong to the point of evil.”

This book tackles one of modern Africa's most harrowing chapters in history. It follows two of the thousands of children who were kidnapped and pressed into service in the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) headed by Joseph Kony. It is set initially set 1990s Uganda and Sudan, and what would later become South Sudan. It is based on real people and events over the course of ten years.

In 1994, protagonist Anthony Opoka is fourteen when he is taken from his village. He and the other children were forced to commit atrocities against their own, effectively severing ties with their families and creating psychological dependencies on their captors. Florence Okori comes into the story later. She was taken in 1998 at age fourteen. During their time with the LRA, the two meet and develop a friendship.

Kony claimed to be possessed by various spirits, using a blend of “Christian,” Acholi traditions, and invented religious practices to maintain control. Anthony’s proximity to Kony creates narrative tension that provides insights into the psychological manipulations of a sociopathic “leader.” Florence's story illustrates how deeply ingrained values can preserve identity even within systems designed to erase it. Their eventual connection balances horror with hope. Sullivan uses their relationship to examine how human connection can survive in seemingly impossible circumstances.

I am impressed by the author’s ability to transform a historically significant trauma into a universal story about human dignity and resilience. Given the violent nature of the subject matter, it can often be a gut-wrenching read, but it shifts away from the bloodshed often enough to move beyond a “misery” narrative while still acknowledging the reality of the pain and suffering. As a western reader, I think Sullivan has skillfully handled cultural representation, voice, and ethics. It is a truly powerful reading experience.

Be sure to read the author’s note at the end, which explains the genesis of this novel and the participation and consent of the real people upon whom the story is based. Part of the proceeds go to the family and the non-profit organization End Child Soldiering.

[Olivia Blackley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I’ve read all year, and I’ll be shocked if another book beats it. Everyone should read this

[Bethany Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was simply incredible. A historical fiction book but it is almost 100% true. I had no idea about the LRA or conflict within Uganda but the fact that this happened within my lifetime made it seem so much more jarring. The only cons were that the beginning was a bit slow and it is definitely very real about the atrocities of war so do not read if that would be too much to handle. But the way that the author was able to paint a picture and show failure, and true love, and the effects of childhood on someone’s life ugh it was just so good like I simply got lost in this book and stayed up until 2 am reading. Please please please add this to your TBR!!!

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book purely because of the author, whose “Under a Scarlet Sky” I had read and loved. When I realized the topic, the story of 2 abducted Ugandan children by the Ugandan megalomaniac Joseph Kony, I almost set it aside. However, this historical novel is more human and less military than other similar books.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am glad I gave Mark Sullivan another chance. This book was definitely one of my favourites for 2025. Also, the cover is stunning and relevant to the storyline.

Try to be a better human in some way every day. And whenever you are confused about anything in life, not sure what to do, ask yourself this question: What would a good human do? 4%

Based on the true story of two Ugandan teens, Anthony Opoka and Florence Okori, who were kidnapped and forced into the notorious Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in the 1990s.The novel includes an afterword written by the real Anthony and Florence Opoka, and a portion of the proceeds from the book goes to helping former child soldiers.

“You are all murderers now. The pictures we took prove it. You can never go back. Your parents will hate you for what you have done. And if the government catches you, they will hang you for killing this boy. Your only chance at life now is with us and the Great Teacher. 15%

It is a heavy read, and yet I was spellbound by this narrative. Mark Sullivan doesn't mince words when it comes to what Anthony and Florence and the rest of Joseph Kony's victims faced. Kony and his commanders ruled by fear, and so the captive children learned to hide their true feelings.

It is Anthony and Florence's stories of how they survived that show the reader that love and hope can exist even in the darkest of times. The fact that both hold onto the lessons of their parents and then found one another is what kept me from becoming overwhelmed. Future readers shall have to be patient, as a lot of storytelling takes place before the two actually meet up.

Over the course of Joseph Kony’s thirty-year reign of terror in northern Uganda, southern Sudan, and Congo, the Lord’s Resistance Army is believed to have kidnapped as many as thirty-seven thousand boys and girls. Author's Note

Goodreads review published 28/12/25

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL THE GLIMMERING STARS by Mark T. Sullivan

Audio narration read by Junior Nyong’o was perfectly done and I enjoyed listening to it. I paired the audio with the book too.

A story of the Ugandan history and life for those living there. A historical fiction read inspired by a true story of the experiences of Anthony Opoka and Florence Okori, two Ugandan teens who were kidnapped from there home villages and turned into warriors for a messianic warlord, Joseph Kony, of the LRA (the Lord’s Resistance Army) in the 1990s. Joseph Kony wasn’t able to recruit enough soldiers to overthrow the government, so he decided to start kidnapping children and molding them into soldiers and making them killing machines. Roughly 35,000 children were taken and turned into these soldiers.

Mark T. Sullivan —- “I look for stories that are inherently moving, inspiring, potentially healing to some people, and potentially transforming to some readers. So this story hit all those criteria right off the bat.” Mark was an investigative journalist before his historical fiction-writing career, so the research he does for his books comes naturally, and his writing is beautifully done. I’ve read his book, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, that is as exceptional as, All the Glimmering Stars. I want to read, The Last Valley, also. He was able to interview Anthony and Florence, as well as, close to 50 others from Uganda and bring this story to life. This is a dark, dark story that’s truly evil of what these kids and families suffered, but it’s also about survival, and a love story within a story of humanity, as Mark T. Sullivan thinks. A powerful story of two really good people struggling for light in unimaginable darkness. Would be an excellent choice for book clubs.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

You see, pain is physical. Suffering is mental. When you learn to end your suffering, when your eyes and your heart have truly opened, you see everything in life in a different light, even death.”

I had no idea what I was walking into when I downloaded All the Glimmering Stars. I felt so many emotions throughout this book. It definitely made it harder knowing that this was based on a true story and I just wanted to pull Anthony and Florence into a giant bear hug. They were so easy to love, and they are stronger people after what they have gone through.

In a world filled with so much evil and hate, it's rare to find people who go through such horrors and be good people. It's also shocking how easily people can be brainwashed under someone else's ideology. Cults? Always intriguing but watching the documentaries and reading books about people who lived through those... is one thing. Going through it is another.

Anyways, back to this book. Honestly, it was so freaking good, and I learned so much throughout this. I definitely had to move through certain areas/sections a bit slower than normal but it's not any easier listening to what is happening than reading it. That's for sure.

In the end, this book is special and unique. Everyone should try to read or listen to it.

[Raven Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wall of heros just got bigger.❤️ Stories like this one, are an opportunity to walk in another's shoes. This is why reading is so important. Thank you. This book will make you uncomfortable. At times I needed a break, but it's an important story that needed to be told. When you purchase the book, you are contributing to ending child soldiers around the world & helping those who have been a victim of child soldiering. Go buy the book!

"Try to be a better human in some way every day. And whenever you are confused about anything in life, not sure what to do, ask yourself this question: What would a good human do?" George Opoka

[Matthew Gramins · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a letdown. Beneath the Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan is one of my favorite books of all time, and this didn’t stand up to that masterpiece. I thought the plot was entertaining but not gripping. Additionally, I thought the writing style was quite choppy and, frankly, a little juvenile. This was one of my most anticipated books of the year, and it unfortunately didn’t come close to the hype.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appear to be in the minority here by not giving this book 5 stars, and don’t get me wrong, I do agree this book was an amazing story of events in a place I know little about, and a remarkable work of research. BUT it was sooooo LONG with so many repetitions and rehashing and retelling, plus sooooo many details that seemed to have little to do with the main story. I almost gave up when I realized I was hardly into the story after so many hours of reading, but i stuck with it and eventually finished with the the help of some strategic skimming later in the book. I felt the writing was a little flat, kinda disconnected like a history book rather than a good story. Maybe I shouldn’t have been reading it on our Greece trip and should’ve gone for something lighter.

[Alanna Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Glimmering Stars

Mark Sullivan has rendered me speechless with this one. Everyone needs to know the story of Florence and Anthony. “All the Glimmering Stars” is a historical, biographical fiction novel set in Uganda and Sudan during the 90s during a warlord, Joseph Kony, reign of terror. The Lord’s Resistance Army kidnaps Florence and Anthony and forces them to serve, along with thousands of other children. I will never forget this story. You need to read this book. It will change you.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sullivan’s best book yet. One of those books that puts life into perspective. Anthony and Florence have an unforgettable story.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solidly based on the true life story of Anthony and Florence Opoka’s harrowing experiences with Joseph Kony and their 10 years of captivity and forced service in The Lord’s Resistance Army.

Prior to reading this book, my knowledge of the Ugandan, Congolese and Sudanese civil war against the LRA, Kony and his atrocities with child soldiers, was cursory, at best. This is an extremely difficult, disturbing but important read. I was only able to spend an hour or two at a time and then needed to break away from the nearly constant horrifying situations.

Author, Mark Sullivan, does try to insert moments of hope and love into the story. When they happen, it’s like an Arctic Breeze has arrived in the jungle. There are even a few snippets of humor that become an oasis in this desert of unending violence.

I found it hard to tell if the book is actually too long and could be edited down or if it only feels that way because of the story content. I suspect it is a little of both. If you take the time to read the author and main character notes prior to starting the book proper, you’ll be prepared for what is to come. Knowing the outcome in advance isn’t a spoiler, in this situation, but rather much needed insight.

Like his other bestsellers, “Beneath a Scarlet Sky” and “The Last Green Valley”, Sullivan has immersive descriptive prose, bringing readers into the setting, making it another character. Thankfully, he used some restraint with the violence; not that there isn’t plenty of it.

It’s hard to give Sullivan credit for developing the characters in this story because they are real people who participated in the project. Where he does get kudos is for showing the emotional growth over 10 years and weaving the spiritual elements, both positive and negative, into the story. Kony’s character has what could be a paranormal vibe or it could be interpreted differently by readers. Again, Sullivan avoids interjecting his own personal feelings, for which I applaud.

Financial considerations with this book are inspiring. The author is putting his money where his heart is. Read the closing notes for that information. There’s also a link for readers to participate in ending child soldiers, which are estimated to be in excess of 350K worldwide.

Lots of trigger warnings with this book: physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse, war, wounds, kidnapping, slavery, murder, torture; definitely not the book for everyone. After many difficult pages, there is an happy ending, not Hallmark style, but there is a rejoining and renewal of purpose that continues today📚

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

My goodness, all the tears. And anger and adrenaline and despair and shock. And beauty from ashes. A truly unbelievable story. Every time a date was mentioned, I couldn’t believe how recently this happened. Sometime I’ll have to edit my review to add more. Right now I just don’t have the words.

[Katie Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What would a good human do?”

“How can I be happy today?”


It is August 1st & I have undoubtedly just read the best book I will read this month. I did not expect to be impacted to this extent by the riveting & absolutely heartbreaking story of the Opoka’s. Anthony & Florence Opoka were kidnapped as children(alongside thousands of other children) & forced to serve in The Lord’s Resistance Army- a terrorist organization in Africa led by a cruel madman named Joseph Kony. I will never forget the things I read about in this book. These events took place as I was a safe child in America, completely oblivious that this ever occurred.

Florence is the definition of a mama bear. The things she experienced.. giving birth, with a toddler, in a battle zone. I cried & cried!

“Sometimes life is so hard you just have to survive it.”

“I am alone, and my life will never be good again.”

“Pain in the heart & injustice in the head are the two foods violence always feeds on.”

But the love story of Florence & Anthony is so beautiful! The story of their family is one of strength, resilience, & the fiercest love. I read this on KU but immediately purchased my own copy after finding out that a percentage of the sales goes to their family. I would want this book on my shelf forever anyway! I can’t stress it enough that this is a MUST READ. I was immersed from the beginning, but if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy reading about military tactics & combat, just hold out & keep going. It seems like a lot in the beginning, but that is far from the bulk of this story & it is 1000% worth it.

Not only does this story need to be shared, there’s also powerful insight about coping, survival, & reasoning with fear. A truly inspirational book for anyone!

“See my happiness?” 😭❤️

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought to life something I didn’t know much about. Compelling. Well researched. Beautiful writing. Grateful this book exists.This story is brutal and difficult to read but it is still, uplifting, and full of wisdom. You will not be able to put this book down.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story. Love, courage and unimaginable horror that this family and other child soldiers of the LRA must have endured. It’s heartbreaking to think that this happened within the last 30 years.
A must read.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another profound, redemptive, must-read by Mark Sullivan.

[Ali Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible. Absolutely heartbreaking experiences for Anthony and Florence Opoka but I’m amazed by their resilience and dedication to being good people while forced through repeated awful experiences as captives/soldiers in the LRA. I’m thankful they were willing to share their stories.

[Mariana Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Glimmering Stars é um livro duro, intenso e impossível de esquecer. Conta a história de dois jovens raptados e obrigados a viver no meio da guerra no Uganda, enfrentando violência, medo e perdas inimagináveis. A forma como o autor descreve esta realidade é crua e profundamente comovente.

Apesar de toda a brutalidade, esta é também uma história de esperança, amor e resistência. No meio do horror, os protagonistas agarram-se um ao outro para não perderem a humanidade.
A escrita prende do início ao fim. É daqueles livros que nos deixam em silêncio no final, com o coração apertado (ok, não foi só no final).

Mais um livro cinco estrelas de um autor que já se tornou dos meus preferidos de sempre! Um dos que melhor escreve histórias fortes e inesquecíveis.

Super recomendo! 😊

[Lindsay B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sullivan’s conviction to write important and inspiring stories about humanity. The writing is beautiful and I think upon them and remember them well after finishing the book. I also deeply appreciate his detailed Author’s Notes and Afterword he includes. Highly recommend ❤️

[Amanda up North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutal yet beautiful. I learned so much from this book.
I gasped outloud at the violence and horror more than maybe any other book I've read.
Excellent Author's Note and Afterword by Anthony & Florence Opoka. Theirs is a tremendous story - I'm glad I read it.

I mentioned to someone that I was reading a book about Uganda, the Lord's Resistance Army, and children abducted and forced to be soldiers, pretty horrific stuff, and was asked what made me read it.
A few years ago, I'd read Mark Sullivan's Beneath a Scarlet Sky (Mussolini's Italy), which didn't win me over entirely with its storytelling, but was historically interesting and intense.
Then I was working library circulation and I found a note tucked into a copy of his next book, The Last Green Valley, when I retrieved it from the book drop. Written in beautiful cursive it said: "This is a wonderful book. Absolutely should be read." So I did. I was much more satisfied overall with that read, and I agreed. It's a wonderful book. Absolutely should be read. I recommended it to multiple patrons seeking historical fiction and they all came back to tell me they loved it. A powerful read.
So that's what brought me to Sullivan's latest - All the Glimmering Stars, and again, he knocks it out of the park with solid research and the respect he pays to his subjects in writing this story, based on true people and events.
I don't find Sullivan to be a master at writing dialogue, but I would highly recommend this to any reader interested in history and world cultures. It took me to new places, historically and geographically, and at the heart of it is an outstanding story about humanity. There were areas where I felt the writing was a little awkward, but it's an unforgettable story, propulsive and powerful, and again - I learned so much.
And it serves an important purpose - ending the use of kids in combat.

"This is when it starts, Anthony. You are a boy now, but in the future, I want to be able to look at you and know what a good human you have become, someone who does the right thing, stands up for himself, who knows right from wrong; a human who treats people fairly and expects to be treated fairly, who knows his business and his work, and feels responsible for feeding and sheltering his family; a human who knows how to love and to learn from his wife, and how to teach his children well so they can teach their children well so that the story and skills of a good and decent life go on."