What do you think?
Rate this book
Desta #4
Desta: Roots
In this sprawling epic, Desta continues his dual mission to earn a modern education and reunite King Solomon’s Coin of Magic and Fortune with its twin shekel that he owns. Heeding the ancient prophecy, he journeys to a remote town to pursue his goals but soon discovers that he is there to learn of his ancestral roots and gain the knowledge and tools needed for his quest.
Desta meets Tsadok, his benevolent spirit-guide, who reveals Desta’s profound ties from the storied waters and soils of Ethiopia to sacred and powerful Near Eastern monuments and artifacts to all of Western history. He learns that the blood of ancestral prophets, priests, princesses, and kings, from Judah and Egypt to Nubia, courses his veins; and that he has been predestined to safeguard King Solomon’s spiritual legacy and magical powers for a heretofore hidden purpose.
Desta’s high school studies and a kindly benefactor inspire him to pursue a medical career. Yet as Tsadok’s lessons fill in the pieces of a cosmic puzzle, Desta’s vow to reunite the magical coins pulls him away from his personal goals. Torn between his dual callings, Desta must choose whether to defer his personal dreams, not knowing where or when his search for the coin will end. His future a mystery, and guided only by faith in himself, his roots, and his destiny, Desta forsakes his familiar world, and embarks uneasily on a voyage into the unknown.
Desta meets Tsadok, his benevolent spirit-guide, who reveals Desta’s profound ties from the storied waters and soils of Ethiopia to sacred and powerful Near Eastern monuments and artifacts to all of Western history. He learns that the blood of ancestral prophets, priests, princesses, and kings, from Judah and Egypt to Nubia, courses his veins; and that he has been predestined to safeguard King Solomon’s spiritual legacy and magical powers for a heretofore hidden purpose.
Desta’s high school studies and a kindly benefactor inspire him to pursue a medical career. Yet as Tsadok’s lessons fill in the pieces of a cosmic puzzle, Desta’s vow to reunite the magical coins pulls him away from his personal goals. Torn between his dual callings, Desta must choose whether to defer his personal dreams, not knowing where or when his search for the coin will end. His future a mystery, and guided only by faith in himself, his roots, and his destiny, Desta forsakes his familiar world, and embarks uneasily on a voyage into the unknown.
428 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2018
4 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Getty Ambau
9 books28 followersGetty Ambau was born and raised in an isolated countryside, in the highlands of Gojjam in northern Ethiopia. He came to the United States at age nineteen for his education, studied molecular biophysics, biochemistry, and economics at Yale University, and later earned an advanced business degree.
He has worked in research labs and run his own companies, but writing has always been his calling. He has authored the award-winning Desta series and several best-selling alternative health books on health and nutrition.
His second Desta novel was featured in Kirkus Reviews magazine. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Rosario.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 19, 2019
I really enjoyed Desta 4: Roots. The novel taught me SO much about a country I knew little about while employing an engaging, original, and imaginative voice. Desta is a passionate, gracious, and disciplined young man, and he carries the story well as its main character. I really liked seeing him progress throughout the novel. The story is an excellent blend of the supernatural, history, and the trials of everyday life.
The plot is complex in details but simple in its aims. Taking place in 1960s Ethiopia, this installment of Desta’s life is educational and wondrous. Desta is a survivor, and I enjoyed seeing how he navigated his challenging high school years while also searching for the elusive second coin of his ancestors. Throughout the story, the reader is treated to Desta’s visits from the spirit world and the prophecy to which he’s tied, both strong elements of the novel. I was pleasantly surprised to learn so much about the culture, landscapes, and history by reading this book. The author provides rich descriptions, including food, customs, religion, and many other aspects of Ethiopian life. (There’s a helpful glossary of terms and a list of characters in the appendix for readers wanting those references.)
This is the first book from the series in which I’ve read, but the novel does a great job of providing the back story, so I could follow it quite well despite having not read the first three. I think the book would be most appropriate for YA readers, but anyone who likes the supernatural and cultural explorations would like this book. Highly recommended!
The plot is complex in details but simple in its aims. Taking place in 1960s Ethiopia, this installment of Desta’s life is educational and wondrous. Desta is a survivor, and I enjoyed seeing how he navigated his challenging high school years while also searching for the elusive second coin of his ancestors. Throughout the story, the reader is treated to Desta’s visits from the spirit world and the prophecy to which he’s tied, both strong elements of the novel. I was pleasantly surprised to learn so much about the culture, landscapes, and history by reading this book. The author provides rich descriptions, including food, customs, religion, and many other aspects of Ethiopian life. (There’s a helpful glossary of terms and a list of characters in the appendix for readers wanting those references.)
This is the first book from the series in which I’ve read, but the novel does a great job of providing the back story, so I could follow it quite well despite having not read the first three. I think the book would be most appropriate for YA readers, but anyone who likes the supernatural and cultural explorations would like this book. Highly recommended!
December 13, 2018
In Ambau’s fourth installment of the Desta series, young Desta, a poor shepherd boy, continues his dual quest for a modern education and an ancient coin he has been destined by the fates to find.
Ambau is a master of character development and a first-rate storyteller who somehow manages to weave the everyday trials of a young man coming of age on his own and the magic elements of his quest into a solid believable storyline. Desta frets over getting his assignments done on time and avoiding bullies at school, while at the same time he communes with spirits, ghosts, and other supernatural guides which draw him ever closer to the magic coin of King Solomon.
In this chapter of Desta’s journey, he learns his personal roots as well as those of his country Ethiopia go far deeper than he could have imagined; and both have played major roles in the history of mankind.
Ambau neatly ties up his underlying themes of forgiveness and redemption in this book, while expertly setting up a surprising conclusion which creates excitement for the next episode of this ambitious character’s life.
Though best read as a part of the series, this tale of a tenacious and strong-willed young man, like all the other installments, is also a complete story in its own right.
A must-read for all lovers of great writing, endearing characters, and epic storytelling
Ambau is a master of character development and a first-rate storyteller who somehow manages to weave the everyday trials of a young man coming of age on his own and the magic elements of his quest into a solid believable storyline. Desta frets over getting his assignments done on time and avoiding bullies at school, while at the same time he communes with spirits, ghosts, and other supernatural guides which draw him ever closer to the magic coin of King Solomon.
In this chapter of Desta’s journey, he learns his personal roots as well as those of his country Ethiopia go far deeper than he could have imagined; and both have played major roles in the history of mankind.
Ambau neatly ties up his underlying themes of forgiveness and redemption in this book, while expertly setting up a surprising conclusion which creates excitement for the next episode of this ambitious character’s life.
Though best read as a part of the series, this tale of a tenacious and strong-willed young man, like all the other installments, is also a complete story in its own right.
A must-read for all lovers of great writing, endearing characters, and epic storytelling
September 4, 2018
In Ambau’s fourth installment of the Desta series, young Desta, a poor shepherd boy, continues his dual quest for a modern education and an ancient coin he has been destined by the fates to find.
Ambau is a master of character development and a first-rate storyteller who somehow manages to weave the everyday trials of a young man coming of age on his own and the magic elements of his quest into a solid believable storyline. Desta frets over getting his assignments done on time and avoiding bullies at school, while at the same time he communes with spirits, ghosts, and other supernatural guides which draw him ever closer to the magic coin of King Solomon.
In this chapter of Desta’s journey, he learns his personal roots as well as those of his country Ethiopia go far deeper than he could have imagined; and both have played major roles in the history of mankind.
Ambau neatly ties up his underlying themes of forgiveness and redemption in this book, while expertly setting up a surprising conclusion which creates excitement for the next episode of this ambitious character’s life.
Though best read as a part of the series, this tale of a tenacious and strong-willed young man, like all the other installments, is also a complete story in its own right.
A must-read for all lovers of great writing, endearing characters, and epic storytelling.
Ambau is a master of character development and a first-rate storyteller who somehow manages to weave the everyday trials of a young man coming of age on his own and the magic elements of his quest into a solid believable storyline. Desta frets over getting his assignments done on time and avoiding bullies at school, while at the same time he communes with spirits, ghosts, and other supernatural guides which draw him ever closer to the magic coin of King Solomon.
In this chapter of Desta’s journey, he learns his personal roots as well as those of his country Ethiopia go far deeper than he could have imagined; and both have played major roles in the history of mankind.
Ambau neatly ties up his underlying themes of forgiveness and redemption in this book, while expertly setting up a surprising conclusion which creates excitement for the next episode of this ambitious character’s life.
Though best read as a part of the series, this tale of a tenacious and strong-willed young man, like all the other installments, is also a complete story in its own right.
A must-read for all lovers of great writing, endearing characters, and epic storytelling.
November 20, 2018
In his novel Desta: Roots, author Getty Ambau challenges the reader to study and to experience close up the struggles of Desta, an Ethiopian shepherd boy. Raised in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Desta pushes back against those who wish him to fail, against poverty, and against his own anxieties, in order to acquire the education, the friendships, and the spiritual framework essential to his own life’s journey. Desta: Roots is the fourth book of a multi-book series (I am assuming there will be more). By book four, Desta has already been through a bleak early childhood, yet despite the many setbacks and cruelties he has endured, he has already defined some spiritual and vocational goals which he feels will elevate him beyond his humble beginnings. In addition to a burning ambition to become a doctor, Desta submerges himself in a spiritual quest — and the nearly impossible task of finding a second magical coin to join with one he has previously discovered — a task that he feels elevates his life’s meaning and defines his destiny.
In point of fact, the novel walks a fine line between finding strength and guidance in religious faiths and artifacts, and seeking meaning through the supernatural — as Desta clings tenaciously to the assumption that life, and the explanations behind it, are both complex and mysterious.
Ambau’s main character Desta is fully rounded and believable. Certainly our hearts go out to him in his plight. He is pathetically grateful for small acts of kindness, never taking positive experiences for granted, but taking strength from small successes. Desta at his most honest is revealed in the family settings. As he interacts with various relatives, we witness him at his most vulnerable, and we love him all the more for it.
But where do the struggles of an Ethiopian shepherd boy intersect with the world at large? Where does the reader fit into the equation? I think it is Ambau’s challenge to stretch ourselves beyond our own narrow perspectives; to expand our hearts with a more global understanding of the human experience. For instance, one of my favourite images that Ambau paints is the observation of Desta’s skin tone as "… the beautiful colour of the night … the only skin tone that welcomes all the colours of the rainbow". Would that the world at large could evolve to such an enlightened understanding!
Ambau’s writing style is rich in description — at times naïve, at times a bit formal, at times distracting — but always full of wonder.
Nancy Guild Bendall M.A. (English Lit.)
Toronto, Canada
In point of fact, the novel walks a fine line between finding strength and guidance in religious faiths and artifacts, and seeking meaning through the supernatural — as Desta clings tenaciously to the assumption that life, and the explanations behind it, are both complex and mysterious.
Ambau’s main character Desta is fully rounded and believable. Certainly our hearts go out to him in his plight. He is pathetically grateful for small acts of kindness, never taking positive experiences for granted, but taking strength from small successes. Desta at his most honest is revealed in the family settings. As he interacts with various relatives, we witness him at his most vulnerable, and we love him all the more for it.
But where do the struggles of an Ethiopian shepherd boy intersect with the world at large? Where does the reader fit into the equation? I think it is Ambau’s challenge to stretch ourselves beyond our own narrow perspectives; to expand our hearts with a more global understanding of the human experience. For instance, one of my favourite images that Ambau paints is the observation of Desta’s skin tone as "… the beautiful colour of the night … the only skin tone that welcomes all the colours of the rainbow". Would that the world at large could evolve to such an enlightened understanding!
Ambau’s writing style is rich in description — at times naïve, at times a bit formal, at times distracting — but always full of wonder.
Nancy Guild Bendall M.A. (English Lit.)
Toronto, Canada
March 4, 2025
What would you do if your destiny led you into a world of ancient secrets and powerful legacies?
Desta: Roots book 4 by Getty Ambau, is an extraordinary and deeply immersive read that takes readers on an epic journey of self-discovery, history, and faith. This instalment in the series brings fascinating connections to ancestral wisdom, mystical revelations, and an unfolding cosmic puzzle that keeps the intrigue alive.
This book is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The highlight I loved about this book is its rich historical depth and intricate storytelling. The storyline is a perfect balance of adventure, self-exploration, and destiny, making it both emotionally moving and intellectually engaging. Each chapter unfolds with wisdom, mystery, and the weight of a grand mission, making it a truly unforgettable read.
The author has done an outstanding job weaving together culture, history, and a thrilling sense of purpose. The writing is vivid, poetic, and deeply reflective, allowing readers to fully experience the emotions and depth of the journey.
This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mystical adventures, and thought-provoking storytelling. I found this book to be a fascinating exploration of destiny, knowledge, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself. Every detail felt rich with meaning, making it an experience that stays with you long after the last page.
The author’s ability to merge history, philosophy, and adventure is truly remarkable. The storytelling is gripping and immersive, bringing each scene to life with beautifully crafted prose. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Overall, an epic and thought-provoking journey.
Desta: Roots book 4 by Getty Ambau, is an extraordinary and deeply immersive read that takes readers on an epic journey of self-discovery, history, and faith. This instalment in the series brings fascinating connections to ancestral wisdom, mystical revelations, and an unfolding cosmic puzzle that keeps the intrigue alive.
This book is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The highlight I loved about this book is its rich historical depth and intricate storytelling. The storyline is a perfect balance of adventure, self-exploration, and destiny, making it both emotionally moving and intellectually engaging. Each chapter unfolds with wisdom, mystery, and the weight of a grand mission, making it a truly unforgettable read.
The author has done an outstanding job weaving together culture, history, and a thrilling sense of purpose. The writing is vivid, poetic, and deeply reflective, allowing readers to fully experience the emotions and depth of the journey.
This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, mystical adventures, and thought-provoking storytelling. I found this book to be a fascinating exploration of destiny, knowledge, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself. Every detail felt rich with meaning, making it an experience that stays with you long after the last page.
The author’s ability to merge history, philosophy, and adventure is truly remarkable. The storytelling is gripping and immersive, bringing each scene to life with beautifully crafted prose. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Overall, an epic and thought-provoking journey.
November 6, 2025
Desta: Roots is a beautifully layered exploration of heritage, destiny, and personal growth. Desta’s journey is compelling because it combines a relatable adolescent struggle with a larger mystical mission. His high school studies and budding interest in medicine are relatable touchpoints, yet the revelation of his lineage from Ethiopian waters to sacred Near Eastern artifacts imbues the story with grandeur. Tsadok, his spirit-guide, provides both wisdom and challenges, helping Desta uncover the profound legacy flowing through his veins. I loved how the narrative balances magical elements with real-life ambitions, showing the tug-of-war between personal dreams and a predestined cosmic path. The story invites readers to reflect on their own roots while marveling at the intricate tapestry of history, magic, and prophecy. Desta’s courage, curiosity, and moral integrity make him an unforgettable protagonist. This installment is heartfelt, educational, and deeply inspiring a testament to embracing both heritage and destiny.
April 7, 2025
Desta and The Great Mystery by Getty Ambau
What I admired most about this book was the author’s ability to make every moment feel significant. The storytelling is powerful, the characters are deeply human, and the overarching theme of destiny is explored in an exciting and profound way.
And then there is the journey of Desta, the lead character, to places in search of a missing ancient shekel, the hard work he puts in both his school work and athletics while at the same time trying to adapt to a world so far removed from his origin.
The storytelling and lucid descriptions make the book entertaining, and the message and wisdom it contains are educational experiences one wouldn’t forget. It’s a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
What I admired most about this book was the author’s ability to make every moment feel significant. The storytelling is powerful, the characters are deeply human, and the overarching theme of destiny is explored in an exciting and profound way.
And then there is the journey of Desta, the lead character, to places in search of a missing ancient shekel, the hard work he puts in both his school work and athletics while at the same time trying to adapt to a world so far removed from his origin.
The storytelling and lucid descriptions make the book entertaining, and the message and wisdom it contains are educational experiences one wouldn’t forget. It’s a story that lingers long after you’ve turned the final page.
April 18, 2025
Desta and the Great Mystery is a captivating story. The themes of destiny, goals, responsibility, perseverance, and resilience are beautifully woven into the overall narrative. To achieve or pursue these things, one must be willing to adapt to new environments or situations. I was particularly drawn by the way the author explored the idea of fate. Fate or destiny is not something that comes by chance or randomly, but something we are born with. Or as in this book, a product of a prophecy that we should learn to accept and live with, and make the best of our lives. And there is the supernatural component, with spirits and ghosts playing an equal role alongside humans, exemplifying the magic realism aspect of the narrative.
November 13, 2025
Desta’s journey in Roots is breathtaking. This book captures the tension between personal ambition and destiny with such authenticity. I loved how his ancestral connections from Ethiopia to the Near East were unveiled through Tsadok’s guidance, making the mystical feel tangible and significant. The narrative beautifully intertwines history, magic, and modern education, showing Desta’s struggles with high school studies and the allure of a medical career alongside his cosmic mission. I felt both awe and empathy for him as he grappled with the weight of protecting King Solomon’s legacy. This installment is profound, illuminating the importance of understanding one’s heritage while navigating the uncertainties of life.
November 6, 2025
Desta: Roots is a remarkable continuation of a compelling series. Desta’s struggle to reconcile personal dreams with a grand destiny makes him a highly relatable and inspiring protagonist. The revelations about his lineage, combined with Tsadok’s mentorship, create a story that is both mystical and grounded. The narrative flows beautifully, balancing historical depth, magical elements, and emotional resonance. I was drawn into Desta’s journey from the first page and found myself reflecting on the meaning of heritage, courage, and purpose. This installment is epic, thoughtful, and emotionally satisfying, leaving a lasting impression.
November 8, 2025
This book is a fascinating blend of history, magic, and self-discovery.
The story follows a young man named Desta on a journey to uncover his heritage and fulfill a destiny linked to ancient secrets and family roots.
This book is a beautiful blend of Ethiopian culture, myth, and science, making it both educational and imaginative.
The author's storytelling style is rich and detailed, giving readers a glimpse into tradition, spirituality, and the power of believing in one's purpose.
Although the story can seem long and complicated at times, it is inspiring and meaningful.
Overall, it is perfect for readers who enjoy historical stories with magic and cultural depth.
The story follows a young man named Desta on a journey to uncover his heritage and fulfill a destiny linked to ancient secrets and family roots.
This book is a beautiful blend of Ethiopian culture, myth, and science, making it both educational and imaginative.
The author's storytelling style is rich and detailed, giving readers a glimpse into tradition, spirituality, and the power of believing in one's purpose.
Although the story can seem long and complicated at times, it is inspiring and meaningful.
Overall, it is perfect for readers who enjoy historical stories with magic and cultural depth.
November 16, 2025
I was completely captivated by Desta’s journey. The book seamlessly blends education, magic, and ancestry, making the narrative rich and multidimensional. The depiction of Ethiopian and Near Eastern histories as part of Desta’s lineage is particularly compelling, and Tsadok’s mentorship adds depth and wisdom. The tension between Desta’s personal goals and his destined quest creates a gripping emotional arc. I found myself reflecting on my own heritage while reading, and the sense of destiny felt both intimate and epic. This installment stands out for its emotional resonance, spiritual insight, and adventure.
November 22, 2025
Destiny Fulfilled
This volume is an epic blend of magic, history, and personal growth. Desta’s inner conflict between personal dreams and his predestined mission is heart-wrenching and relatable. The ancestral revelations are fascinating, and Tsadok’s guidance adds depth and wisdom. The writing captures both the excitement of adventure and the weight of responsibility, making Desta’s journey emotionally engaging. I appreciated how the story emphasizes courage, faith, and the importance of understanding one’s roots. It’s a profound installment that left me eager for the next chapter in his quest.
This volume is an epic blend of magic, history, and personal growth. Desta’s inner conflict between personal dreams and his predestined mission is heart-wrenching and relatable. The ancestral revelations are fascinating, and Tsadok’s guidance adds depth and wisdom. The writing captures both the excitement of adventure and the weight of responsibility, making Desta’s journey emotionally engaging. I appreciated how the story emphasizes courage, faith, and the importance of understanding one’s roots. It’s a profound installment that left me eager for the next chapter in his quest.
November 6, 2025
Desta’s journey is one of self-discovery and courage. The connection to his ancestry, stretching across continents and centuries, provides a rich backdrop for a story that blends magic, destiny, and education. The balance between his personal ambitions and cosmic duties is portrayed with depth, and Tsadok’s mentorship adds both wisdom and challenges. I was captivated by the world-building and the emotional resonance of Desta’s choices. The story inspires reflection on our own heritage and the paths we choose, making it both thrilling and profoundly moving.
November 6, 2025
Magical Legacy
Desta’s journey to uncover his roots while pursuing a modern education is both inspiring and emotional. The way his lineage is tied to ancient prophets, kings, and sacred sites creates a story that feels vast yet intimate. Tsadok’s guidance adds layers of mystical wisdom, and the tension between personal ambition and cosmic duty drives the narrative forward. I felt emotionally invested in every choice Desta made, and the descriptions of sacred sites and artifacts were captivating. This installment is a beautiful reflection on heritage, destiny, and courage.
Desta’s journey to uncover his roots while pursuing a modern education is both inspiring and emotional. The way his lineage is tied to ancient prophets, kings, and sacred sites creates a story that feels vast yet intimate. Tsadok’s guidance adds layers of mystical wisdom, and the tension between personal ambition and cosmic duty drives the narrative forward. I felt emotionally invested in every choice Desta made, and the descriptions of sacred sites and artifacts were captivating. This installment is a beautiful reflection on heritage, destiny, and courage.
November 6, 2025
This installment left me breathless. Desta’s inner conflict, his devotion to family legacy, and his pursuit of personal dreams are incredibly moving. Tsadok’s guidance adds a mystical depth that elevates the story beyond mere adventure. By the end, I was cheering for him, feeling the weight of his destiny and the courage it takes to embrace it.
November 6, 2025
This book is a tapestry of history, magic, and personal growth. Desta’s connection to his ancestors from Ethiopia to the Near East is beautifully woven into the story. Tsadok’s guidance makes the mystical feel tangible, and Desta’s inner conflict between duty and personal goals is heartbreakingly relatable. I couldn’t put it down.
November 6, 2025
Ancestral Power
What struck me most was the depth of Desta’s lineage. Tsadok’s lessons reveal the vast tapestry of his heritage, connecting ancient civilizations and sacred traditions. The balance between personal dreams and magical responsibilities makes Desta relatable, even amidst fantastical elements. The story is rich, thoughtful, and inspiring.
What struck me most was the depth of Desta’s lineage. Tsadok’s lessons reveal the vast tapestry of his heritage, connecting ancient civilizations and sacred traditions. The balance between personal dreams and magical responsibilities makes Desta relatable, even amidst fantastical elements. The story is rich, thoughtful, and inspiring.
November 6, 2025
Historical Tapestry
What I loved most was the intricate weaving of Ethiopian and Near Eastern history into Desta’s journey. His ancestry, magic, and personal choices form a complex but beautiful story. I felt both educated and moved, and the cosmic puzzle he navigates kept me hooked throughout.
What I loved most was the intricate weaving of Ethiopian and Near Eastern history into Desta’s journey. His ancestry, magic, and personal choices form a complex but beautiful story. I felt both educated and moved, and the cosmic puzzle he navigates kept me hooked throughout.
Read
November 6, 2025I loved the mix of modern life and mystical destiny. Desta navigating high school, a potential medical career, and his quest to reunite the coin creates tension and emotional depth. The book is both thrilling and reflective.
November 8, 2025
Timeless Legacy
The way Desta’s lineage is woven into history is beautiful. From Nubia to Judah, every revelation added weight to his quest. The blend of magic, heritage, and personal growth makes this book unforgettable.
The way Desta’s lineage is woven into history is beautiful. From Nubia to Judah, every revelation added weight to his quest. The blend of magic, heritage, and personal growth makes this book unforgettable.
November 8, 2025
I was drawn in by Desta’s inner conflict. His passion for education versus his mystical calling is deeply relatable. The narrative flows smoothly, blending magic, history, and personal growth. I felt uplifted reading this.
November 6, 2025
This volume captured my heart. Desta’s courage, his bond with Tsadok, and the spiritual lessons make the story feel profound. I admired his willingness to leave comfort behind and pursue the unknown.
December 4, 2018
I'm on page 233 of 428 of the book. There are several strands in the story, and they're well integrated! Ambau's seductively poetic descriptions of place nicely set the tone for the introduction of characters at all stages of the narrative - from the people in Desta's everyday life to the more fanciful personages that are introduced along the way. The shepherd-boy-turned-man-on-a mission's journey's suffering and enlightenment are, in the end, the universally recognizable struggles of a boy turning into a man. His character is refreshingly unpretentious, touching us deeply in a way that so many of today's fictional heroes - hipness and glibness and cynicism et al - do not . And then there is the mythological dimension, in which we are asked to suspend our narrow criteria for deciding what is real and what isn't as we follow the story line of Desta's search for a meaningful future as he travels back thousands of years into the past.
We live in a day and age in which imagination often takes second place to the everyday demands of adapting to a rational, digitally driven reality and awful disruptions to our habits and predilections that are forced on us by a world gone mad with material desires. We need to treat ourselves to the dreamy, the poetic, the fanciful and find, at the same time, a way of making all three pertinent to our everyday lives in a way that inspires us to believe that life is more than what our senses tell us.
This is where a book like Desta Roots - like the other three books in the Desta series - is a remedy for the above mentioned conditions.
Technically speaking, it is filed under the heading of young adult fiction, and it certainly is - for young adults of all ages. It's a good story and a good read - and tantalizingly magical!
Are you in need of some inspiration for this holiday season; some inspiration penned by a man who knows how to deftly takes us through time and the beautiful spaces of the fabled land of Ethiopia and its historical charms and treasures?
Then read this book.
I'm hooked on it and can't wait to finish it!
We live in a day and age in which imagination often takes second place to the everyday demands of adapting to a rational, digitally driven reality and awful disruptions to our habits and predilections that are forced on us by a world gone mad with material desires. We need to treat ourselves to the dreamy, the poetic, the fanciful and find, at the same time, a way of making all three pertinent to our everyday lives in a way that inspires us to believe that life is more than what our senses tell us.
This is where a book like Desta Roots - like the other three books in the Desta series - is a remedy for the above mentioned conditions.
Technically speaking, it is filed under the heading of young adult fiction, and it certainly is - for young adults of all ages. It's a good story and a good read - and tantalizingly magical!
Are you in need of some inspiration for this holiday season; some inspiration penned by a man who knows how to deftly takes us through time and the beautiful spaces of the fabled land of Ethiopia and its historical charms and treasures?
Then read this book.
I'm hooked on it and can't wait to finish it!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews