Cold White Sun

by Sue Farrell Holler

Tesfaye lives behind the safe walls of his family’s compound in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His father is an important man, Tesfaye goes to one of the best schools in the city, his mother and older sisters keep him fed and cared for. He and his beloved brother, Ishi, can spend their time playing soccer, racing chickens and spying on the guests — as long as they stay away from the sharp horns of the family’s goat and avoid their father’s fiery temper.

When rebel forces take over the capital, life becomes more complicated. Tesfaye’s father’s cousin takes him to live in the former imperial palace, and Tesfaye becomes the most favored son. His father takes him along when he gives political speeches and distributes leaflets. It is all very exciting, even if Tesfaye doesn’t pay attention to what the leaflets actually say.

And then suddenly his father is arrested, and Tesfaye’s own life is in peril. His mother sends him into hiding in her father’s village, until even that is too dangerous. Tesfaye is put in the care of a human smuggler and embarks on an uncertain, confusing and terrifying journey through Kenya, Europe and finally to Canada, where he is put on a Greyhound bus with ten dollars and instructions to stay on the bus until someone tells him to get off. You are safe now, says the smuggler. You are in Canada. This country will protect you.

And so begins his new life in North America, sheltered for a while by fellow expats, threatened by the authorities, shunted from a group home to foster care. But through it all he is plagued by confusion and grief, wondering whether he will ever know what has happened to the family he left behind.

Genres: Young Adult, Ethiopia, Contemporary, Fiction, Historical Fiction

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2019

About the author

A Grade 4 writing assignment gone awry, set Sue on a path in which she practically stalks the neighbourhood postal carriers looking for letters addressed to her. The “ruined” assignment also began her journey as a writer, in which she is most often inspired by real people, real places and real events.

As well as writing books for children, she is a freelance journalist and a regular columnist for Sun Media newspaper, the Daily Herald-Tribune. In her weekly column, “Family Matters,” she writes about the joys and challenges of family life.

Seeing her name on an envelope -- especially one containing a cheque -- still gives her little shivers of anticipation as she slices open the side. She even opens junk mail.

Reviews

[ItsNasB · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot. It is very descriptive. The details of Tesfaye's experiences before and after becoming a refugee, through all his senses and with all his pleasures, fears and anxieties, paint as close a picture to the experience as one can imagine. This story is a heavy one.

[Elizabeth Whitton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This YA story about a young boy fleeing peril in his African home for the safety of Canada will pull at every heart string. The writing is spectacular. Holler does not hold back when recounting the almost insurmountable challenges a young boy must face in a strange new country, without the support from family or friends. Don't expect an unrealistic happy ending, but do look forward to rejoicing at the first, tremulous shoots of hope springing from the ashes of a lost former life and the gift of a country gained.

[Selam Habtemariam · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.5/5) Started off really slow in part 1 and felt like some of the language describing other ethnic groups came off a little insensitive. Nonetheless, I was blown away by part 2 of the book which made up for it. A very beautifully written story that left me with tears in my eyes in the end. It really puts into a powerful perspective the deep and painful journey that young refugees face.

[Clary Bubbles Herondale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I’ve ever finished and fully understood a historical fiction. Not gonna lie, I thought it would’ve ended with Tesfaye going home, back to his family. So when it ended with him still remaining in Canada, I was, more than a little disappointed. But the fact that he was able to call back home and talk to his family, even for a short while, was very touching to me. After reading the acknowledgements, I understood that he never went back to his family and instead thrived with his adopted one, which was still very comforting to know.

It is a wonder, how such a short book, written in such simple language because it was the story of a refugee who knew little English, could make me feel so much. At a young age, he had to set off on a journey all on his own, away from his family, with hardly anyone to rely on. The courage he showed throughout the book really really awes me, because it is something I would never think I would have enough guts to do, even at the ripe age of almost being legal.

All in all, this book was. Splendid. I loved it. It really opened my eyes to how rewarding historical fictions can actually be and I think I would definitely be game to attempt other historical fictions I gave up on previously.

[Linda Pekrul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold White Sun made a huge impression on me. I live a comfortable, safe, life in Canada and couldn't imagine what it was like to be a refugee before I read this book. I was shocked at how quickly life can change in other countries, and at the desperate circumstances this young boy from Ethiopia found himself in. The choices his mother had to make, broke my heart. It is very inspiring how he continues on in spite of the shock at finding himself alone in Canada during one of our cold, cold winters. It's a book that really touched my heart!

[Christopher Luminere · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read. This is a poignant story about the modern struggle that refugees of discrimination and war face. Highly recommend this book.

[Tonia Budd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Marion Lougheed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping and wonderful.

[Kiley · Rating 3 out of 5]

1st read:
This book is honestly such a great story. I just don't think I read it at the right time in my reading life and I think this is one of those books that you have to read multiple times to get the whole experience and message of the book. I'd def give it a second try. 3 stars.

[Elizabeth Appenheimer]

Realistic and poignant story of a refugee's journey to a new home. The kind of thing you hear about, hoping it isn't true, but knowing it is.