Abebi Ngom's life has been a journey since her family left Africa for a better life. A daunting voyage over land, sea and air transforms into a new adventure as the family navigates the challenges of starting over in a new land.
For Abebi, football is her beacon of hope.
However, their solace is overshadowed by a devastating loss as her mother falls victim to a terrible attack. Determined to live on and show the resilience that her mother always taught her, Abebi's rise in the football world is marked by both personal and professional milestones.
Amidst the glamour of international recognition and the pursuit of World Cup glory play for the Matildas, Abebi faces her most significant test when confronting her sister's dangerous secret. Abebifollows one girl through the trials and successes of family, forgiveness, and the unyielding spirit of pursuing one's dreams against all odds.
Author. FIFA-accredited journalist. Photographer. Aussie. Sydney FC member Cove Heights, Gladesville Ravens 45s player, NWSFRA ref. Blacktown City supporter. NUFC tragic. MC Solaar disciple. French speaker.
Football fiction is something that’s intrigued me for a while so I was keen to read this book from author Texi Smith, who has written a number of football novels.
‘Abebi’ is the story of Abebi Ngom, a refugee whose family settles in Australia. It soon becomes apparent that Abebi is an extraordinary football talent and how good she can make on this talent, while coming to terms with life in a new country, is the central storyline of the book.
It’s not just a football story, but an immigrant story and a celebration of family. Abebe’s life is far from rosy; there’s some heart-breaking family moments that threaten to turn her life upside down. Abebi's family play a big role in the book and almost steal the show at times. There are some intriguing sub-plots that made me want to keep turning the page.
Abebi’s rise through the football ranks from suburban Adelaide, with the ultimate goal of playing for the Matildas, makes for an exciting read and the descriptions of football action are some of the best I’ve come across.