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The Garden of Burning Sand
The New York Times bestselling author John Hart raved that "If you like stories of good people struggling to do right in the world's forgotten places, there is no one better suited than Corban Addison to take you on the ride of your life." In The Garden of Burning Sand, Addison, the bestselling author of A Walk Across the Sun, creates a powerful and poignant novel that takes the reader from the red light areas of Lusaka, Zambia, to the gilded chambers of the Washington, D.C. elite, to the splendor of Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
Zoe Fleming, an accomplished young human rights attorney, has made a life for herself in Zambia, far from her estranged father--an American business mogul with presidential aspirations--and from the devastating betrayals of her past.
When a young girl with Down syndrome is sexually assaulted in a Lusaka slum, Zoe joins Zambian police officer Joseph Kabuta in investigating the rape. Piecing together clues from the victim's past, they discover an unsettling connection between the girl--Kuyeya--and a powerful Zambian family who will stop at nothing to bury the truth.
As they are drawn deeper into the complex web of characters behind this appalling crime, Zoe and Joseph forge a bond of trust and friendship that slowly transforms into love. Opposed on all sides, they find themselves caught in a dangerous clash between the forces of justice and power. To successfully prosecute Kuyeya's attacker and build a future with Joseph, Zoe must risk her life and her heart--and confront the dark past she thought she had left behind.
From the Hardcover edition.
Zoe Fleming, an accomplished young human rights attorney, has made a life for herself in Zambia, far from her estranged father--an American business mogul with presidential aspirations--and from the devastating betrayals of her past.
When a young girl with Down syndrome is sexually assaulted in a Lusaka slum, Zoe joins Zambian police officer Joseph Kabuta in investigating the rape. Piecing together clues from the victim's past, they discover an unsettling connection between the girl--Kuyeya--and a powerful Zambian family who will stop at nothing to bury the truth.
As they are drawn deeper into the complex web of characters behind this appalling crime, Zoe and Joseph forge a bond of trust and friendship that slowly transforms into love. Opposed on all sides, they find themselves caught in a dangerous clash between the forces of justice and power. To successfully prosecute Kuyeya's attacker and build a future with Joseph, Zoe must risk her life and her heart--and confront the dark past she thought she had left behind.
From the Hardcover edition.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2013
158 people are currently reading
2759 people want to read
About the author
Corban Addison
9 books720 followersCorban Addison is the international bestselling author of four novels, A Walk Across the Sun, The Garden of Burning Sand, The Tears of Dark Water, which won the inaugural Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, and A Harvest of Thorns. His newest book, Wastelands, is his first work of narrative non-fiction. It will be published by Alfred A. Knopf in June 2022. His books have been published in more than twenty-five countries and address some of today’s most pressing human rights issues. He lives with his wife and children in Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
January 9, 2025
Why I chose to read this book:
1. I quite enjoyed reading Corban Addison's story A Walk Across the Sun, so when I spied this copy at a book sale, I snatched it up; and,
2. I've designated January 2025 as my "A and B Authors" Month!
Praises:
1. the problematic criminal investigation and ensuing courtroom drama appealed to me - what else could go wrong?
2. although not graphically portrayed, it was heartbreaking to read how Kuyeya, a young girl with Down Syndrome, was raped for nefarious medical purposes. It's unbelievable as to how many special-needs children in Africa are traumatized for this reason; and,
3. Addison gives a descriptive view of southern Africa's setting, especially in regards to its flora and the breathtaking views of Victoria Falls. I also got a vivid sense between "have" and "have-not" communities.
Niggles:
1. protagonist, poor little rich American girl, Zoe Fleming, just rubbed me the wrong way. She doesn't grow as a character, she lives in privileged compounds while in Africa, she jet-sets from Africa to the U.S. and back again, and her romantic involvement with police officer, Joseph, was just cheesy. Her personal issues would've been better told in a story of its own, unrelated to this one;
2. I picked up on some inconsistences (e.g. Zoe supposedly inherited her father's "extraordinary memory", but she couldn't recall a guard's name?), as well as some irrelevant information which initially sounded provocative, but went nowhere (e.g. Zoe leaves her car door unlocked while parked in a public place, but nothing happens OR Zoe leaves her laptop on her bed while staying at someone's house, but nothing happens!) Why mention these actions all all if they don't serve a purpose?
3. if you're not going to explain some Nyanja terms in context, then at least supply a glossary.
Overall Thoughts:
Personally, I would have preferred reading about a local Zambian female attorney as the protagonist who demonstrates growth as the story unfolds. A greater emphasis on the social workers and lawyers in Zambia's International Justice Mission and the people involved in the Special Hope Network may have garnered more empathy from me and made me more invested into doing something to help. Unfortunately, this story left me feeling indifferent. A true shame.
1. I quite enjoyed reading Corban Addison's story A Walk Across the Sun, so when I spied this copy at a book sale, I snatched it up; and,
2. I've designated January 2025 as my "A and B Authors" Month!
Praises:
1. the problematic criminal investigation and ensuing courtroom drama appealed to me - what else could go wrong?
2. although not graphically portrayed, it was heartbreaking to read how Kuyeya, a young girl with Down Syndrome, was raped for nefarious medical purposes. It's unbelievable as to how many special-needs children in Africa are traumatized for this reason; and,
3. Addison gives a descriptive view of southern Africa's setting, especially in regards to its flora and the breathtaking views of Victoria Falls. I also got a vivid sense between "have" and "have-not" communities.
Niggles:
1. protagonist, poor little rich American girl, Zoe Fleming, just rubbed me the wrong way. She doesn't grow as a character, she lives in privileged compounds while in Africa, she jet-sets from Africa to the U.S. and back again, and her romantic involvement with police officer, Joseph, was just cheesy. Her personal issues would've been better told in a story of its own, unrelated to this one;
2. I picked up on some inconsistences (e.g. Zoe supposedly inherited her father's "extraordinary memory", but she couldn't recall a guard's name?), as well as some irrelevant information which initially sounded provocative, but went nowhere (e.g. Zoe leaves her car door unlocked while parked in a public place, but nothing happens OR Zoe leaves her laptop on her bed while staying at someone's house, but nothing happens!) Why mention these actions all all if they don't serve a purpose?
3. if you're not going to explain some Nyanja terms in context, then at least supply a glossary.
Overall Thoughts:
Personally, I would have preferred reading about a local Zambian female attorney as the protagonist who demonstrates growth as the story unfolds. A greater emphasis on the social workers and lawyers in Zambia's International Justice Mission and the people involved in the Special Hope Network may have garnered more empathy from me and made me more invested into doing something to help. Unfortunately, this story left me feeling indifferent. A true shame.
October 25, 2013
Set in Zambia, Corban Addison’s book ‘The Garden of Burning Sand’ beautifully captures the ugly legacy of the AIDS epidemic on a society with a complex political, cultural, and economic fabric. Told through Zoe Fleming, a human rights lawyer working in Zambia, the story of a brutal assault of an adolescent girl navigates the many layers of Zambia’s social hierarchies.
Granted, the story includes the standard stereotypes of novels set in Africa which perpetuate the danger of a single story for Africa that author Chimamanda Acdichie has rightly pointed out, are often incomplete. The braai chomping expatriate socialist behind brick-walled houses; the hard working medical doctor with no medical facilities about him; the youthful pre-election political thugs roaming the streets threatening the western damsel in distress and of course, the must have corrupt politician manipulating the wheels of justice all make an appearance
To the author’s credit however, he goes further than most in developing more complete characters for his African story. The stereotypes are not the only story. The police, politicians, players and prostitutes are weaved in and out of the story in a style that leaves you in no doubt that the author has done his homework. He has gone native with this story and captures the essence of the dichotomies of society in Zambia - the daily struggle of the have-nots’ the power and privilege of the haves; the wanton recklessness of those in denial of the HIV virus; and the faith of those working towards an HIV-free generation.
The books true genius, however, is the author’s ability to humanize the AIDS epidemic. To put faces to the horrible myths that sex with virgins offers a cure for aids; to walk you through the daily decisions of a prostitute providing for her family and extended family; to challenge the reader to face up to the reality of different standards of justice for the privileged and the wretched in society. For the average Zambian, it will be hard to read this story without recognizing one if not more characters in this story as people that you know. People that you have either loved, loathed or lost. This is a real story of us.
The realism of the book is further grounded in its reference to the 2011 elections in Zambia, and the 2012 elections in the United States. Both elections give the book a specific period of reference that draws the reader to the national and global relevance of this story. Policies and politics matter. They matter for a little girl that was raped on a dark evening in Lusaka. As you join Zoe in unlocking the mystery of where she came from and whether the attack was a random street crime or a premeditated act performed by someone who knew her, you will ask yourself if we are doing all we can to help the helpless.
Granted, the story includes the standard stereotypes of novels set in Africa which perpetuate the danger of a single story for Africa that author Chimamanda Acdichie has rightly pointed out, are often incomplete. The braai chomping expatriate socialist behind brick-walled houses; the hard working medical doctor with no medical facilities about him; the youthful pre-election political thugs roaming the streets threatening the western damsel in distress and of course, the must have corrupt politician manipulating the wheels of justice all make an appearance
To the author’s credit however, he goes further than most in developing more complete characters for his African story. The stereotypes are not the only story. The police, politicians, players and prostitutes are weaved in and out of the story in a style that leaves you in no doubt that the author has done his homework. He has gone native with this story and captures the essence of the dichotomies of society in Zambia - the daily struggle of the have-nots’ the power and privilege of the haves; the wanton recklessness of those in denial of the HIV virus; and the faith of those working towards an HIV-free generation.
The books true genius, however, is the author’s ability to humanize the AIDS epidemic. To put faces to the horrible myths that sex with virgins offers a cure for aids; to walk you through the daily decisions of a prostitute providing for her family and extended family; to challenge the reader to face up to the reality of different standards of justice for the privileged and the wretched in society. For the average Zambian, it will be hard to read this story without recognizing one if not more characters in this story as people that you know. People that you have either loved, loathed or lost. This is a real story of us.
The realism of the book is further grounded in its reference to the 2011 elections in Zambia, and the 2012 elections in the United States. Both elections give the book a specific period of reference that draws the reader to the national and global relevance of this story. Policies and politics matter. They matter for a little girl that was raped on a dark evening in Lusaka. As you join Zoe in unlocking the mystery of where she came from and whether the attack was a random street crime or a premeditated act performed by someone who knew her, you will ask yourself if we are doing all we can to help the helpless.
November 21, 2014
After reading all the glowing reviews given to this book I have to admit that I found it a disappointing read. I am not disputing in any way that AIDS is not a major problem in Africa, but so is malaria and other endemic diseases such as Ebola which has caused so many deaths in the past months.
I grew up in Zambia and have many fond memories of a beautiful country populated with some very wonderful people. I also spent many years living in South Africa and herein is the problem with a book of this type. Unless you have actually lived in Africa and discovered for yourself the continent and its people, writing a book after a visit gives readers a rather false impression of the realities of every day life there.
A small point perhaps is that I found the writer's description of taking this exit number from this motorway to get from A to B rather like a travel journal and somewhat irrelevant. Not what I expect to read in a well written book.
As one of the main characters Zoe is the typical archetype rich woman who thinks that she has an answer to all of the problems in Africa, without understanding the cultural identity of its people. I do have to wonder why such people do not look into the problems in their own countries, of which there are many, before even trying to change the rest of the world.
Africa does have problems with corruption, greed etc but when reading the daily press it is not difficult to realise that this is the case in many countries, including those in the so called first world.
Finally I have just read an excellent quote from Fuse ODF, an English musician of Ghanaian descent:
'I, like many others, am sick of the whole concept of Africa – a resource-rich continent with unbridled potential – always being seen as diseased, infested and poverty-stricken. In fact, seven out of 10 of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa.'
I could not have worded it any better.
I grew up in Zambia and have many fond memories of a beautiful country populated with some very wonderful people. I also spent many years living in South Africa and herein is the problem with a book of this type. Unless you have actually lived in Africa and discovered for yourself the continent and its people, writing a book after a visit gives readers a rather false impression of the realities of every day life there.
A small point perhaps is that I found the writer's description of taking this exit number from this motorway to get from A to B rather like a travel journal and somewhat irrelevant. Not what I expect to read in a well written book.
As one of the main characters Zoe is the typical archetype rich woman who thinks that she has an answer to all of the problems in Africa, without understanding the cultural identity of its people. I do have to wonder why such people do not look into the problems in their own countries, of which there are many, before even trying to change the rest of the world.
Africa does have problems with corruption, greed etc but when reading the daily press it is not difficult to realise that this is the case in many countries, including those in the so called first world.
Finally I have just read an excellent quote from Fuse ODF, an English musician of Ghanaian descent:
'I, like many others, am sick of the whole concept of Africa – a resource-rich continent with unbridled potential – always being seen as diseased, infested and poverty-stricken. In fact, seven out of 10 of the world’s fastest growing economies are in Africa.'
I could not have worded it any better.
November 9, 2021
Protagonist Zoe Fleming is an American lawyer working in Lusaka, Zambia in 2011. She is part of a legal team prosecuting sex crimes against children. When Kuyeya, a girl with Down Syndrome, is raped, Zoe and veteran police officer Joseph Zabuta, search for evidence in the case. Their investigation implicates powerful people, and these people will go to great lengths to avoid scandal and blame. Zoe is the daughter of a US senator who has become a presidential candidate. Her deceased mother instilled in her a passion for African issues.
This book contains elements of thriller, detective novel, legal drama, and social commentary on important issues in Zambia – specifically the AIDS epidemic, violence against women and children, and adherence to old superstitions. Zoe is a great character. She is at odds with the political views of her father and has a past that correlates with the main themes. She is idealistic and altruistic, though not without faults. Through Zoe’s participation in the investigation, she sees many parts of the countryside. She develops a touching relationship with Kuyeya.
I appreciated learning more about the workings of the Zambian legal system. There are a number of interrelated parts, and the author provides the appropriate background through flashbacks. I very much enjoyed the characters and descriptive writing. The author is obviously an advocate for human rights issues and humanitarian assistance.
This book contains elements of thriller, detective novel, legal drama, and social commentary on important issues in Zambia – specifically the AIDS epidemic, violence against women and children, and adherence to old superstitions. Zoe is a great character. She is at odds with the political views of her father and has a past that correlates with the main themes. She is idealistic and altruistic, though not without faults. Through Zoe’s participation in the investigation, she sees many parts of the countryside. She develops a touching relationship with Kuyeya.
I appreciated learning more about the workings of the Zambian legal system. There are a number of interrelated parts, and the author provides the appropriate background through flashbacks. I very much enjoyed the characters and descriptive writing. The author is obviously an advocate for human rights issues and humanitarian assistance.
January 18, 2016
I feel bad giving this book only two stars, because I think that Corban Addison can write really well and there were some very good sections. The problems came with the main character, Zoe. She was annoying beyond belief, professed to love Africa so much, yet was constantly sneering and rolling her eyes at things that weren't Western, and of course, she had to be beautiful, rich and a senator's daughter. I didn't understand why her African boyfriend would bother with her or vice versa. They didn't even seem to like each other that much.
The author excelled at writing about Africa and the problems facing its people. If he had written a novel with Africans as the main characters, this could have been an excellent book. He needs to trust that people will still read a book that is not about Americans. The same flaw afflicted his first novel as well. For some reason, his writing is much more effective when he is not writing about his own country. Maybe he is trying so hard to make a point, that the characters come off as whiny and obnoxious.
Some of the best writing came from the girl's mother's diary, recounting the events that led her to prostitution. I would like to have read more of that, and less of the whiny Zoe's unresolved angst. Zoe didn't like her father, Zoe hated her stepmother, Zoe had issues from when she was 17...really? We all have issues from when we were 17 and most of us aren't cushioned by trust funds and houses on the Vineyard. Time to grow up, Zoe.
Let the story tell the story, and make the point, and eliminate the do-gooder American with the unresolved conflict, in the next novel, please. They add nothing and really distract from the main storyline.
The author excelled at writing about Africa and the problems facing its people. If he had written a novel with Africans as the main characters, this could have been an excellent book. He needs to trust that people will still read a book that is not about Americans. The same flaw afflicted his first novel as well. For some reason, his writing is much more effective when he is not writing about his own country. Maybe he is trying so hard to make a point, that the characters come off as whiny and obnoxious.
Some of the best writing came from the girl's mother's diary, recounting the events that led her to prostitution. I would like to have read more of that, and less of the whiny Zoe's unresolved angst. Zoe didn't like her father, Zoe hated her stepmother, Zoe had issues from when she was 17...really? We all have issues from when we were 17 and most of us aren't cushioned by trust funds and houses on the Vineyard. Time to grow up, Zoe.
Let the story tell the story, and make the point, and eliminate the do-gooder American with the unresolved conflict, in the next novel, please. They add nothing and really distract from the main storyline.
June 1, 2018
I read A Walk Across The Sun by Corban Addison and found it to be an incredibly well written book with I loved even though the theme was challenging! The Garden of Burning Sand, is an equally challenging book, this time set in Africa, with similar themes. The poverty, neglect and sexual exploitation of young women and children in Africa are very serious topics and ones which can’t be taken lightly, added to this is the situation of Aids and all that surrounds it. I found the story and main characters convincing, though a touch too stereotypical, which was a pity. I also thought that perhaps on this occasion less would have been more. The author tried to tackle so many very serious issues that perhaps eventually this let the story down somewhat.
June 17, 2014
Oh dear! This is my second Addison high expectation ( created by the reviews) dashed on delivery. Whilst trying to create action - and maybe adventure - as our rich and privileged heroine zooms around the world, from the US to South Africa to Zambia and round again - this book lacks depth. The countries are from a travel log, the characters are cardboard and the issues are excessive. I'm starting to feel that Addison needs to focus on one thing. Maybe rape, OR disability, OR Aids, OR the legal system OR politicians OR social ills, OR family dynamics - as opposed to a mish - mash of everything. I'm left none the wiser about anything. I wasn't moved or compelled to do anything about anything. I simply don't care. I don't even want to watch a documentary about Zambia, let alone visit the country. I'm annoyed with myself for bothering to finish a second Addison novel when I could have moved on to something more compelling. I must check myself. I suspect that Addison's are about to pop out every few months. I must resist the interesting topics in Africa - and rather listen to talk shows than hope for anything interesting in the way of insights from Addison
February 7, 2016
If this story had centered on Africa, it would have been a good crime investigation-law court story of justice, as well as a story of a nation at the brink of change. Within are the people, customs, society and traditions of Zambia in the modern world. However, it is told through the eyes of a more privileged North American
Zoe Fleming is a whiny, rich, "woe is me" American and her story interferes with the story of Zuyeya and Africa. She gets in the way. As the story progresses, it becomes more about Zoe and her issues with her past and less about justice in Africa.
Zoe Fleming is a whiny, rich, "woe is me" American and her story interferes with the story of Zuyeya and Africa. She gets in the way. As the story progresses, it becomes more about Zoe and her issues with her past and less about justice in Africa.
January 14, 2022
This is an emotional book about abused children in Africa. A smart US lawyer, following her mother's footsteps, works for a charity in Zambia. The charity has a focus of children, those that are abused, deserted, raped, homeless. One day the taskforce discovers that a child who is mentally and emotionally damaged has been raped. A woman found her in an alley and brought her to the clinic for help. Zoe takes a special interest in the girl. The child does not communicate well but it is obvious that she has probably been raped. With the help of nurses, the doctor examines her and creates a rape kit with evidence if they ever find the rapist. Zoe's team works to find evidence, people who saw her or the person who dumped her in an alley. The book reads like a mystery with clues unfolding and being discovered in order for the team to know more. The child is not able to tell them her name, but the team eventually discovers information. Most people are afraid to provide information because of the risk of pain or death from powerful people. Zoe and her partner, Joseph, a member of the national police force, come to the conclusion that the child was raped and dumped by the son of powerful people - a powerful businessman and a High Court Judge. They also believe the son follows folk medicine gurus. They become convince that he has AIDS and that the son believes a folk tale that having sex with a virgin is a cure for AIDS. This is a powerful story of child abuse, long family memories and the pain that pushes us to do what we do. Frankly, I think every person should read this book - to learn more about Africa, the damage that AIDS does in the world and the responsibility we as humans have for each other. In her testimony before a US Senate hearing, Zoe said, "This isn't about politics or an election. It's about American's relationship to a
billion people around the world who live in conditions we would never tolerate for our children." This book is ideal for a book club discussion - so many topics to discuss and about which to learn.
billion people around the world who live in conditions we would never tolerate for our children." This book is ideal for a book club discussion - so many topics to discuss and about which to learn.
June 21, 2014
I couldn't help being tied in knots reading this novel although a work of fiction it was inspired by real issues and offered an authentic glimpse into the horrifying world of child sexual assault in the sub-Saharan Africa. This is actually of story of good people struggling to do right in this world.
This novel is a page turner and weaves together romance, family and human rights issues. While exploring a wide range of pressing world topics including the treatment of women in Africa Mr. Addison’s poignant novel takes us from the red light areas of Lusaka, Zambia, to the luxurious rooms of Washington D.C. high ups and to the splendor of Victoria Falls.
“The Garden of Burning Sand” follows the progress in the rape of a young girl with Down’s syndrome and the involvement of human rights lawyer Zoe Fleming who is determined to bring the case to justice. The action is firmly centered on Zoe and is told through her eyes. The plot is well-paced and provides some tension as she teams up with Joseph Zabuta. At every turn the two are thwarted of their investigation and they soon realize the criminals they seek are more corrupt and powerful than they thought. This book is also a riveting mystery.
This story is timely, topical and well- researched and embraces the full sweep of human experience. It deals bluntly with rape, AIDS, superstition and poverty. Zoe is an appealing character. Her interracial romance with Joseph is well handled as is the treatment of his positive HIV status. The story is well- done in setting, dialogues and action.
This novel is a page turner and weaves together romance, family and human rights issues. While exploring a wide range of pressing world topics including the treatment of women in Africa Mr. Addison’s poignant novel takes us from the red light areas of Lusaka, Zambia, to the luxurious rooms of Washington D.C. high ups and to the splendor of Victoria Falls.
“The Garden of Burning Sand” follows the progress in the rape of a young girl with Down’s syndrome and the involvement of human rights lawyer Zoe Fleming who is determined to bring the case to justice. The action is firmly centered on Zoe and is told through her eyes. The plot is well-paced and provides some tension as she teams up with Joseph Zabuta. At every turn the two are thwarted of their investigation and they soon realize the criminals they seek are more corrupt and powerful than they thought. This book is also a riveting mystery.
This story is timely, topical and well- researched and embraces the full sweep of human experience. It deals bluntly with rape, AIDS, superstition and poverty. Zoe is an appealing character. Her interracial romance with Joseph is well handled as is the treatment of his positive HIV status. The story is well- done in setting, dialogues and action.
November 25, 2014
This book was an eye opener for me. Reading this book I got a peek at how people like us, with just the same needs, feelings and rights live in fear of living with nothing. Unprotected, physically, mentally and lawfully.
It is so not fair but what do I know, a white teenager in a country that most people don't starve or aren't afraid of leaving their house at night. Someone that has all the basics and doesn't give a second thought at how lucky I am. The novel deals with rape, AIDS, superstition and poverty. It shows how a simple DNA test could save children's hope by putting away criminals that violate their person. How a lot of death could be prevented by knowledge and self preservation. Many people in Africa are suspicious of white doctors and medicine (I don't blame them, mind me)still believe in healers with herbs and potions and only think of going to the hospital as a last resort, and most of the time too late.
The story was very interesting, fast paced and mysterious. It was a good blend of love, family, respect,courage, willpower and what's right or wrong. All of the characters were very well developed and two of my three favorites didn't ever show up in the book. Charity/Bella, Zoe's mom, and Kuyeya.
It is so not fair but what do I know, a white teenager in a country that most people don't starve or aren't afraid of leaving their house at night. Someone that has all the basics and doesn't give a second thought at how lucky I am. The novel deals with rape, AIDS, superstition and poverty. It shows how a simple DNA test could save children's hope by putting away criminals that violate their person. How a lot of death could be prevented by knowledge and self preservation. Many people in Africa are suspicious of white doctors and medicine (I don't blame them, mind me)still believe in healers with herbs and potions and only think of going to the hospital as a last resort, and most of the time too late.
The story was very interesting, fast paced and mysterious. It was a good blend of love, family, respect,courage, willpower and what's right or wrong. All of the characters were very well developed and two of my three favorites didn't ever show up in the book. Charity/Bella, Zoe's mom, and Kuyeya.
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November 12, 2015Insufferably judgmental, American Zoe Fleming claims to love Africa but spends the entire novel shaking her head, rolling her eyes, or feeling nauseous about things African. She apparently has the ability to know in advance who is corruptible (pretty much everyone). Chimamanda Adichie has discussed 'the danger of a single story'; here we get Africa the Aids/poverty/corruption-blighted, only redeemable by Western largesse, in Zoe's expert opinion ... and she is an expert: I mean, she's read Achebe, ffs. We get ... ignoring the weight of foreign authority... playing on the African suspicion of intellectual disabilites and so much more in the same vein. I can't rate this; it's actually a reasonable story, if I wasn't African I might give it a three, but I found it offensive.
September 17, 2016
Sad but good story about child rape in Africa. Some parts of the main characters personal life and history seemed irrelevant at worst and boring to me at best.
November 20, 2019
Second time I've read this author. Second five star read from me. Brilliant writer.
April 22, 2014
An idealistic American lawyer waging battle against corrupt African politicians and an unsympathetic society to find justice for a rape victim with Down’s syndrome should be a sympathetic protagonist for the average reader.
Unfortunately, I found Zoe Fleming a bit too perfect and would have preferred to see one of her Zambian colleagues in the leadership role. Why should it always be an American who teaches the rest of the world how to behave?
That said, Corban Addison’s second novel was gripping enough to keep me reading and wanting to see Zoe and her team win. Addison’s research provides a powerful story which makes the reader care about issues which could easily become stereotypical in lesser hands.
Played against the background of a turbulent election campaign, the investigation of Kuyeya’s rape, the tracking down of her assailant and the trial give us a disturbing glimpse into a world where a child with her disability is viewed as a curse, where HIV continues to threaten life on a daily basis and where the rape of a virgin is considered as a possible cure for the affliction.
Joseph Kabuta, the policeman who reluctantly teams up with Zoe and later becomes her lover, came across to me as the more realistic character. But I suppose the author needed Zoe’s powerful father and Washington connections to achieve the final result.
Unfortunately, I found Zoe Fleming a bit too perfect and would have preferred to see one of her Zambian colleagues in the leadership role. Why should it always be an American who teaches the rest of the world how to behave?
That said, Corban Addison’s second novel was gripping enough to keep me reading and wanting to see Zoe and her team win. Addison’s research provides a powerful story which makes the reader care about issues which could easily become stereotypical in lesser hands.
Played against the background of a turbulent election campaign, the investigation of Kuyeya’s rape, the tracking down of her assailant and the trial give us a disturbing glimpse into a world where a child with her disability is viewed as a curse, where HIV continues to threaten life on a daily basis and where the rape of a virgin is considered as a possible cure for the affliction.
Joseph Kabuta, the policeman who reluctantly teams up with Zoe and later becomes her lover, came across to me as the more realistic character. But I suppose the author needed Zoe’s powerful father and Washington connections to achieve the final result.
April 3, 2016
I enjoyed this book, although it took me a while to get into it at the beginning and it did not give me any deep or cathartic insights into anything. The main character is a rich young woman who spends much of her time in Africa doing philanthropic work. Her life gets better by the end of the book, and I suppose she does go through some degree of maturation or change in worldview -- but for the most part her character is already formed prior to the beginning of the book and she does not change fundamentally in her outlook. We do get to hear a lot of her emotional history, showing us how she got to be the way she is.
I now want to learn more about the chitenge (with a hard "g") dresses that Zambian women wear as well as a dish commonly eaten in Zambia called nshima.
Okay, I looked them up. Nshima is just the Zambian name for cornmeal mush or polenta. Nothing in the text of the book had clued me in to this. It is usually served with Ifisashi which is a dish of greens and tomatoes with peanut sauce.
Chitenge is pretty much what I had gathered from the context of the book -- bright bold patterned cloth.
I now want to learn more about the chitenge (with a hard "g") dresses that Zambian women wear as well as a dish commonly eaten in Zambia called nshima.
Okay, I looked them up. Nshima is just the Zambian name for cornmeal mush or polenta. Nothing in the text of the book had clued me in to this. It is usually served with Ifisashi which is a dish of greens and tomatoes with peanut sauce.
Chitenge is pretty much what I had gathered from the context of the book -- bright bold patterned cloth.
March 1, 2016
When I began this book by reading the prologue, I hesitated because the writing seemed so stilted and the main character not very appealing to me. Since it was the only book I had brought with me on vacation, I decided to give it a go and am I ever happy I did.
I am sure others have written about the plot/story/characters so I won't talk about the actual structure of the book or any of the three elements.
What I truly enjoyed was the flow of the writing and the ability of Addison to feature characters who didn't fit the mold of likeable people and yet were very appealing as the story progressed.
He also left a very lasting impression on me that was not marred by sordid details, but rather by inference for the most part.
Unfortunately, I don't have the book any longer as I left it with a woman who needed a book for the remainder of her vacation so I am unable to produce examples of his ability to describe what can only be called horrendous acts, in a way that the reader doesn't feel assaulted.
I will keep my eye out for future work of Corban Addison.
I am sure others have written about the plot/story/characters so I won't talk about the actual structure of the book or any of the three elements.
What I truly enjoyed was the flow of the writing and the ability of Addison to feature characters who didn't fit the mold of likeable people and yet were very appealing as the story progressed.
He also left a very lasting impression on me that was not marred by sordid details, but rather by inference for the most part.
Unfortunately, I don't have the book any longer as I left it with a woman who needed a book for the remainder of her vacation so I am unable to produce examples of his ability to describe what can only be called horrendous acts, in a way that the reader doesn't feel assaulted.
I will keep my eye out for future work of Corban Addison.
August 22, 2018
A beautiful book about the issues surrounding the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa, and the links with the high level of rape assaults. The Garden of Burning Sand focuses on a particular incident where a girl was raped in Zambia. Zoe fleming a young American tries to unfold the story behind the crime, along with her attorney friends. I got so attached to the story and found it difficult every time to put it down. A really great read indeed for me.
May 9, 2024
3.5🌟 I was definitely invested and gripped to the key parts of this story. However the romantic subplot did nothing for me and it frustrated me how much I was 'told' what happening rather than shown.
June 13, 2013
I was instantly drawn to this book and anticipated its release, even watching for it by the minute for it to land on KOBO. Addison’s previous (and debut) novel, A Walk Across The Sun is one of my favourite books.
The entire story, The Garden of Burning Sand, was fast paced and kept me engaged from beginning to end....It picked up even more speed around chapter 20....not a book you should skim ahead on or you’ll miss details that are necessary to the unfolding of the story....every word moved this story ahead ! At times, Zoe reminded me a bit of Nancy Drew, but it was thankfully only fleeting and pulled out of that very early on. As I’ve read from others, I agree Addison’s writing is quite lyrical. As examples, two quotes I highlighted:
“The beat of the drum –the backbone of village song—had been replaced in the cities by the throbbing insistence of electronic bass, amplified until everything around the speakers picked up the rhythm—people, beer, bottles, even the walls.”
“You’re like a tiger in a cage,” he said, “Pacing doesn’t change the fence.”
I have to admit that I had to get over the fact that this book was not meant to mimic Addison’s first novel “A Walk Across The Sun” and simply be a novel of its own, take on its own style....The next paragraph of my review will show you that struggle.....these are my initial thoughts that were not drowned out until slightly past the 50% point of the book when the action of the story simply drew me in and held me.....
In The Garden of Burning Sand, the story opens with a child with Down’s Syndrome being raped in Africa. Having 3 vulnerable children with significant needs I was a bit hesitant to read on to be honest....but Mr. Addison’s sensitive, yet head on approach with a difficult subject in his first novel convinced me to continue....I could get through with it....and Addison did not disappoint in his sensitivities. Unfortunately though, for me, some aspects from his first novel were missing in this second book – it didn’t feel head on for me (perhaps I’m a bit grateful given the emotional anxiety I may have felt if it had been, and yet it still left me with a little emptiness); the characters weren’t as deeply developed – There was no Ahayla or Sita in this book – and not that I expected those characters, but I did expect characters with the depth that they brought in his first book; it didn’t transport me to Africa the way his first novel transported me to India....In his first novel I felt I was there....but at times in this book, I often forgot we were in Africa, thinking at times it could have easily been happening right there in the United States – I was obviously reminded this was not the case when such things as being able to use DNA was debated or when Zoe and Joseph visited the nganga’s residence, and yet still I just did not feel like I was transported to Africa at all; I was also missing an understanding or explanation of lingo...at times I was a bit confused and felt lost – it wasn’t just the lingo, but sometimes the characters made me feel a little lost – I would eventually catch up if I just kept reading though.
While most of the points above dissolved when I let go of the comparison between Addison’s two novels, I wonder if my point about not being transported to Africa might be because it was not what I had perceived/guessed/expected Africa to be....I’d love a point of discussion on this one in a book club perhaps....
Some other points of discussion, spoilers to a point without giving away everything, still very much a spoiler, so please only click on this after you’ve read the novel.....and I’d love to hear your thoughts :
Yes, I’d recommend The Garden of Burning Sand....it’s got the WOW factor that Addison’s first novel came with, as long as you don’t compare the two.... A great book, and one that I think would be a great group read for book clubs.
I might even suggest a comparison between this novel and Grisham more so than with his own first novel....
The entire story, The Garden of Burning Sand, was fast paced and kept me engaged from beginning to end....It picked up even more speed around chapter 20....not a book you should skim ahead on or you’ll miss details that are necessary to the unfolding of the story....every word moved this story ahead ! At times, Zoe reminded me a bit of Nancy Drew, but it was thankfully only fleeting and pulled out of that very early on. As I’ve read from others, I agree Addison’s writing is quite lyrical. As examples, two quotes I highlighted:
“The beat of the drum –the backbone of village song—had been replaced in the cities by the throbbing insistence of electronic bass, amplified until everything around the speakers picked up the rhythm—people, beer, bottles, even the walls.”
“You’re like a tiger in a cage,” he said, “Pacing doesn’t change the fence.”
I have to admit that I had to get over the fact that this book was not meant to mimic Addison’s first novel “A Walk Across The Sun” and simply be a novel of its own, take on its own style....The next paragraph of my review will show you that struggle.....these are my initial thoughts that were not drowned out until slightly past the 50% point of the book when the action of the story simply drew me in and held me.....
In The Garden of Burning Sand, the story opens with a child with Down’s Syndrome being raped in Africa. Having 3 vulnerable children with significant needs I was a bit hesitant to read on to be honest....but Mr. Addison’s sensitive, yet head on approach with a difficult subject in his first novel convinced me to continue....I could get through with it....and Addison did not disappoint in his sensitivities. Unfortunately though, for me, some aspects from his first novel were missing in this second book – it didn’t feel head on for me (perhaps I’m a bit grateful given the emotional anxiety I may have felt if it had been, and yet it still left me with a little emptiness); the characters weren’t as deeply developed – There was no Ahayla or Sita in this book – and not that I expected those characters, but I did expect characters with the depth that they brought in his first book; it didn’t transport me to Africa the way his first novel transported me to India....In his first novel I felt I was there....but at times in this book, I often forgot we were in Africa, thinking at times it could have easily been happening right there in the United States – I was obviously reminded this was not the case when such things as being able to use DNA was debated or when Zoe and Joseph visited the nganga’s residence, and yet still I just did not feel like I was transported to Africa at all; I was also missing an understanding or explanation of lingo...at times I was a bit confused and felt lost – it wasn’t just the lingo, but sometimes the characters made me feel a little lost – I would eventually catch up if I just kept reading though.
While most of the points above dissolved when I let go of the comparison between Addison’s two novels, I wonder if my point about not being transported to Africa might be because it was not what I had perceived/guessed/expected Africa to be....I’d love a point of discussion on this one in a book club perhaps....
Some other points of discussion, spoilers to a point without giving away everything, still very much a spoiler, so please only click on this after you’ve read the novel.....and I’d love to hear your thoughts :
Yes, I’d recommend The Garden of Burning Sand....it’s got the WOW factor that Addison’s first novel came with, as long as you don’t compare the two.... A great book, and one that I think would be a great group read for book clubs.
I might even suggest a comparison between this novel and Grisham more so than with his own first novel....
June 27, 2022
Zambia, rok 2011. W pewną ciemną noc w Lusace zostaje porwana, a następnie brutalnie zgwałcona dziewczynka z zespołem Downa. Po napaści gwałciciel porzuca ją. Mała jest niezdolna do rozmowy, do współpracy z zespołem (Zespołem do spraw zwalczania przestępczości seksualnej) ruszającym jej na pomoc. Zoe, waleczna i niezmordowana prawniczka amerykańskiego pochodzenia, wraz z kolegami z zespołu zaczyna śledztwo, wyjaśniające kto mógł tak brutalnie zgwałcić niepełnosprawne dziecko. Jaki miał motyw? Akcja książki nabiera tempa. Powoli małymi kroczkami odnajdują jeden trop za drugim (po nitce do kłębka), aż przestępca zostaje złapany. I dopiero w tym momencie największe schody do pokonania zaczynają się dla ludzi niezłomnych z zespołu. Czy uda się postawić gwałcicielowi oskarżenie, czy wszyscy świadkowie będą mogli zeznawać?
Zoe to perfekcjonistka, która skończyła najlepsze uczelnie w USA z wyróżnieniem, ale za przykładem matki pokochała Afrykę. To tu walczy o prawa dziewczynek, młodych kobiet, które mogą być w każdej chwili zgwałcone przez mężczyzn i tych z najbliższej rodziny i obcych. A to dlatego iż nadal istnieje przeświadczenie o wyzdrowieniu, pokonaniu AIDS po seksie z dziewicą. Pomimo ogólnej niechęci tubylców do osób pochodzących spoza Afryki, a także o odmiennym kolorze skóry, Zoe udaje się wydobyć niejednokrotnie zeznania świadków lub osób mających jakiś wiedzę na temat gwałtu na Kuyeyi.
Autor poprzez treść książki wprowadza nas w realia jakie panują w Zambii jak i prawdopodobnie w całej Afryce. Tematami powieści są bieda, wykorzystywanie seksualne dzieci, prostytucja, zachorowalność na AIDS, źle działający wymiar sprawiedliwości, korupcja itp.
Polecam lekturę.
Zoe to perfekcjonistka, która skończyła najlepsze uczelnie w USA z wyróżnieniem, ale za przykładem matki pokochała Afrykę. To tu walczy o prawa dziewczynek, młodych kobiet, które mogą być w każdej chwili zgwałcone przez mężczyzn i tych z najbliższej rodziny i obcych. A to dlatego iż nadal istnieje przeświadczenie o wyzdrowieniu, pokonaniu AIDS po seksie z dziewicą. Pomimo ogólnej niechęci tubylców do osób pochodzących spoza Afryki, a także o odmiennym kolorze skóry, Zoe udaje się wydobyć niejednokrotnie zeznania świadków lub osób mających jakiś wiedzę na temat gwałtu na Kuyeyi.
Autor poprzez treść książki wprowadza nas w realia jakie panują w Zambii jak i prawdopodobnie w całej Afryce. Tematami powieści są bieda, wykorzystywanie seksualne dzieci, prostytucja, zachorowalność na AIDS, źle działający wymiar sprawiedliwości, korupcja itp.
Polecam lekturę.
September 25, 2018
Zoe Fleming is an American human rights lawyer working in Africa. Joseph Kabuta is a Zambian police officer. Their paths collide when a child with Down's Syndrome is found wandering the alleyways of Lusaka, Zambia, after being brutally assaulted and raped.
Their investigations lead them into danger as they uncover the perpetrator, who has family links to high ranking officials in the countries political and justice systems.
The author highlights the shocking realities of child sexual assault and the lack of DNA laboratory facilities in Africa.
He also adds in "Author's Notes" that "In Zambia, four in five children born with an intellectual disability die before their fifth birthday, and disabled girls are more likely to be raped than their non-disabled peers."
Their investigations lead them into danger as they uncover the perpetrator, who has family links to high ranking officials in the countries political and justice systems.
The author highlights the shocking realities of child sexual assault and the lack of DNA laboratory facilities in Africa.
He also adds in "Author's Notes" that "In Zambia, four in five children born with an intellectual disability die before their fifth birthday, and disabled girls are more likely to be raped than their non-disabled peers."
February 21, 2022
I have read one other book by this author (A Walk Across the Sun) and loved the writing style. His choice of subject matter is challenging to read but he presents the subject with humanity, and reality.
Like the book I read before his endings are bittersweet. The subject matter is challenging to read but not super graphic so I was able to read and appreciate the subject matter about aids and the abuse of young girls.
The characters are wonderful and a lovely romance involved with the characters. Again a hard subject to read about but the author brings about an awareness that needs to be taken seriously.
Highly recommended!
Like the book I read before his endings are bittersweet. The subject matter is challenging to read but not super graphic so I was able to read and appreciate the subject matter about aids and the abuse of young girls.
The characters are wonderful and a lovely romance involved with the characters. Again a hard subject to read about but the author brings about an awareness that needs to be taken seriously.
Highly recommended!
April 13, 2019
Actually rated it 4.7. Truly exciting. This book reveals how political power play is the same everywhere jn the world. Girls dont feel safe just walking the streets in Africa and men, especially with titles, feel like they have power over these girls. What fuses these norm is maybe also because of the weak judicial system and lawyers and judges are corrupted etc etc.. compelling, touching and can get really suspenseful
March 2, 2023
Loved this book! Was really not expecting Zoe to forgive her dad. Their relationship unfolded so quickly and unexpectedly. Loved how subtly the relationship with Zoe’s mom was brought in right in the end but so clearly aswell. The moment when we thought for a second that the case wasn’t going to be successful for Kuyeya, it felt like all hope was lost in those two sentences but then it all came together and is so much more powerful because of Kuyeya - a 14 year old girl - speaking for herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2018
4.8 stars for sure! This book has it all: intrigue, suspense, politics, detective work, crime, sabotage, corruption, good vs. evil, and so, so, so much more, all set in Zambia, Zimbabwe, South-Africa, and the US. There’s even a gentle love story with a twist. The writing is clever and believable and sophisticated while being entirely accessible. What a great read!
May 3, 2022
Corban Addison has written another amazing timely novel. It deals with a topic that is as old as the hills. If you have read A Walk Across the Sun you are aware of the quality of Addison's writing. His books are not to be missed.
August 24, 2022
Definitely a page turner and an interesting insight into Zambia’s culture and life. A good, easy read for a mystery novel, but not Dan Brown level. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could, rather than 4.
June 9, 2020
Definitely a worthwhile read!! Very strong and engaging style and content. Addison is a master.
April 26, 2023
Wow what a book! Such an eye opener to things going on in the world that can be changed.
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