The Garbage King

by Elizabeth Laird

A gritty, deeply moving story that shows how the human spirit can triumph in the harshest of worlds.

Genres: Fiction, Ethiopia, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Africa, Young Adult, School

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Laird was born in New Zealand in 1943, the fourth of five children. Her father was a ship's surgeon; both he and Laird's mother were Scottish. In 1945, Laird and her family returned to Britain and she grew up in South London, where she was educated at Croydon High School.
When she was eighteen, Laird started teaching at a school in Malaysia. She decided to continue her adventurous life, even though she was bitten by a poisonous snake and went down with typhoid.

After attending the university in Bristol, Laird began teaching English in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She and a friend would hire mules and go into remote areas in the holidays.

After a while at Edinburgh University, Laird worked in India for a summer. During travel, she met her future husband, David McDowall, who she said was very kind to her when she was airsick on a plane. The couple were married in 1975 and have two sons, Angus and William.

Laird has also visited Iraq and Lebanon. She claims to dislike snakes, porridge and being cold but enjoys very dark chocolate, Mozart, reading and playing the violin in the Iraq Symphony Orchestra.

She currently lives in Richmond, London with her husband.

Reviews

[Polly Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say that I was inspired by the cover or the blurb of this book. As I settled down to read, I was anticipating a tone of worthy exploration into poverty in the developing world. By the time I got to the end of the first chapter I was well and truely hooked!
Yes, the story does expose some of the issues of child poverty. Yes, it is set in Ethiopia. Yes, the contrast between the lives of rich and poor are contrasted starkly throughout. However - this book is a real gem in the way that it flits over all the "issues" to get on with an excellent adventure, which, indeed, remains the true focus from start to end.
Bad things can happen and people can be unhappy, rich or poor. This is the firm foundation upon which the rest of the narrative is built. The plot could be set anywhere in any divided society at any time. This makes all the difference in the world - any reader can immediately relate to the plight of the two main characters as they struggle along their converging journeys to learn from each other. The horrors of disempowerment can resonate with any reader.
This book is heartily recommended for readers over the age of 10, although very sensitive children could find some of the passages disturbing. Overall, I found this book enjoyable, easy to follow and thought-provoking. What more could you want from a book?

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book didn't wow me but it was still an interesting story about street "urchins" in Ethiopia. Good for grades 5+ but with a warning about references to prostitution, alcohol use, huffing of gasoline, and some swearing.

[kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars easy. I cannot describe the amount of emotions this book made me feel. it was such a good story. so fast paced, yet the author did such an amazing job at laying out the story. definitely one of my fav books

[Sana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story, despite being fiction, is based on lived experiences of children living on the streets of Ethiopia that the author has spent much time with. The note at the very end of the book from one of the children who particularly contributed to the telling of this story did make me cry. A simple, fast paced read good to remind you of all there is to be thankful for.

[stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is the first ever book that i have read. I read this book with i was 11 or 12 years old. This book got me into reading and ive been ever since. This book will always have a special place in my heart.

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: death of a parent, kidnapping, enslavement, animal death, homelessness, death of a child, blood, violence.

I picked this up purely because it's set in Ethiopia so I knew it would tick a box for my Read Around the World challenge. And it definitely did that. But that aside, I found the story somewhat disjointed with what was on the back of the book. Yes, it's about two boys from very different worlds who meet and end up living on the streets of Addis Ababa. But it's also the story of one boy's sister and the other's father and the boys that they end up living on the streets with, and as a result I kind of found that I was losing track of all the different threads going on in the story.

I also would have found it handy to have a map of Ethiopia in the front of the book just to give me some kind of idea of the distances we're talking about when people leave Addis Ababa for the country and vice versa.

[Jessica Rix · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quite good and shows you how people less fortunate than us live and what their life styles are like. I found it boring at some points but over all it was ok.

[Lari Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving book about life for kids with no family safety net in Ethiopia. It follows three children, Dani, Moma and Tiggist, as they struggle to find their place and their future both in the countryside and in the capital city. The story deals with slave labour, child beggars and death on the streets, and it hints at prostitution. But it also contains love, honesty and companionship. I found the background and details totally convincing and the children’s stories very moving. But I doubt that many stories which start this way, end as the book does… Entirely worth reading for a glimpse into another world, and for a hope of human kindness and courage.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great book that connects you with the main character really well!

[Tusantideconfi · Rating 2 out of 5]

No me lo leí. Me leí un resumen. GRACIS ISA

[Anya]

This was a very good, emotional book. It made me more aware of what was going on in different parts of the world, especially where poverty is there.

[Chie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Garbage King, is the perfect title, i love the title. And I enjoyed this book! If you like realistic street life, tough children with personality, then you could be utterly charmed by this. I'm a sucker for earnest, hard-earned friendships, its close to home and as I know/knew people in similar situations, so found this sweet and might be biased because of so.

3.8 Stars, but happily 4 on the ratings

[Kawiria Creed · Rating 1 out of 5]

My first DNF in a loonngg time. I just marked it as completed to get it off my timeline. I kept trying to convince myself to get to the end but had too little motivation. Good premise, but I expected something different than what I got. The event in the blurb, the two main characters meeting, doesn't happen until more than halfway through the book. And maybe it was the passive style of writing but nothing felt consequential or gripping.

[Iris Fagniez]

This book was not really a binge book, however it was so captivating that I ended up reading it in only 2 days. The author was addressing a very serious issue, but was still able to make it sound not too depressing. Overall, I loved this book and will definitely be looking for similar genres in the future.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite an insight into the haves and have nots! Hopefully our children will never face the tragedy of surviving on the streets as the main characters of this story did!

[Ananya · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY GAWD THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVA READ

:)

[Eluisa F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really good book that gives an insight into street kids, slavery and struggles at school. I really recommend this book to anyone who has spare time on their hands.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

A touching tale of two boys and how their shared experience of poverty and friendship can reunite even the most different of worlds.

This novel was an easy read for me. Laird creates two wonderful main characters in Mamo and Dani. Mamo, the poverty stricken young boy, sold into slavery and isolated from the world. And Dani, the wealthy boy who has never known much hardship past the cruel treatment from his father. There were times when Dani irritated me with his selfish ways and self-entitled attitude, but also made me feel deep sympathy for him when I realised that most people from his background, having to deal with this new and unknown situation he finds himself in, would fall apart, but he does not. Mamo provided the perfect character to admire and question how one person could be so strong in character after having everything ripped away from him. Their friendship and bond touched me and provided a light at the end of what can be seen as the dark tunnel of a dangerous and underdeveloped world.

The plot was simple, merely outlining two very different separate journeys (Mamo’s trouble with escaping slavery; Dani’s trouble escaping the oppression from his father) that merged into one: a journey that the two boys faced together whilst living on the streets of Ethiopia. The plot provided time to see the real world of poverty and how difficult life can really be for the underprivileged.

A subplot also took place away from Mamo and Dani, outlining Tiggist (Mamo’s sister) and her own journey as she settled into a new life with her boss, Mrs Faridah. This plot focused not on the poverty and hardships of life on the streets in Ethiopia, but on the expectations of women in this African society. It was incredibly difficult to see Tiggist struggle with the misogynistic society that she is forced to live and abide by, with constant unwanted harassment from older men, the judgement from other women over her behaviour and the pressure of becoming a woman who will inevitably become a man’s property as his wife. Some scenes were hard to read, and Laird was wonderful in creating this tension and anger that the reader couldn’t help but feel throughout.

My favourite parts of the novel however, were the parts with Million’s gang. Each character made me feel a whole mix of emotions, with some events in the novel almost reducing me to tears (Karate, I’m talking about you...). They showed how even in the darkest and most desperate of places, there was always someone who could provide a light in that darkness.

Overall, I thought this book was fantastic. Heartwarming, heart-wrenching, and definitely worth a read.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why does a child leave a comfortable home and run away? Why are there so few safety valves for children in poverty? These questions are asked often in the media but are not generally answered. The Garbage King will provide you with some insight into the world of young teens struggling to make sense of their world.
This piece of fiction brings together two boys from two totally different social classes in Ethopia, who are searching for a way to survive, alone, on the streets of the capital of this African country. Their journeys bring them together into a street family led by an older boy, Million, who tolerates no stealing but enforces a code of “one for all” as they navigate a life of survival and brotherhood.
Young adult novels such as this one are filled with strong characters, strong plots and a very realistic setting that take the reader outside their comfort zone. The simplest act of drinking a cup of refreshing water is put into a new perspective. The title and its setting caught my attention. This novel by Elizabeth Laird will not disappoint young or older readers as she captures the essence of what is truly of value in life.

[Hannah of the Sky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written story with solid character development and poignant, difficult themes.
Set in contemporary Ethiopia, it has a strong sense of place and shows both urban and rural, rich and poor. The book is based on the author's experience in Ethiopia, in depth research, and interviews with street children.

Content notes for parents and teachers:
Mamo is kidnapped and sold into slavery, he is beat up and deprived, and he tries to kill himself by eating a poisonweed.
Dani's mother is gravely ill, his father is verbally unkind to him, he struggles with self-image, and he runs away from home.
A little boy in the gang dies - it is very heartwrenching. Boys in the gang drink, fight and sniff drugs (very vague references) - these behaviors are portrayed as negative though.
The difficult content is approached in an age appropriate way and is treated with sensitivity. Nothing is gratuitous. Characters grow and learn from their mistakes. The ending is realistic but rewarding.

[Shirin Akthar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for myself as always :) The Garbage king is one of those books I’ll never forget. I first read it as a child (10 years old), and it shaped so much of how I started to see the world. It was the beginning of me understanding injustice, inequality, and even the basics of capitalism, even if I didn’t have the words for it at the time. I was young, but this book opened my eyes to realities I’d never thought about before.

I remember crying while reading it. The characters and their struggles felt so real. Looking back, it felt like a sort of awakening.

I reread it as an adult for just. It’s funny how books we read as kids can sometimes have a bigger impact than the ones we read as adults. They hit harder, in this raw, unfiltered way that stays with you.

This book planted seeds in me, about questioning the world, about caring for others, and it’s still one I hold close.

[Cobie Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book takes you on a full journey from three characters perspectives.
You grow to love each one in their own ways and want them all to thrive!
I absolutely loved this book!

A lot of books I tend to read are fast pace and hard to put down where as this one you can pick up and put down at your own pace and really take in the story lines.

This book shows you a glimpse of what life Is like for children beggars in Addis Ababa.

Each character had a happy ending which was so lovely to see. Couldn't have thought of better directions to take each character.

[Olive Toucan · Rating 4 out of 5]

How close is this book is to reality? I am not sure. but I think a lot of things in this book are true. slavery part of it was really hurting which still exists in some other forms in this world. thank God the kids were not exposed to any sexual violations.

Description of poverty is really heart wrenching. If you do not have any natural talent, then education is the only thing to get you out of the poverty. one more thing - you can run, but you can't escape from justice.

Is poverty the biggest sin on this earth because it can make you do anything? not always!

[Pink Wine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a kid who had no interest in the world. For someone who didn't understand politics and social issues, I struggled to get into this book. I picked this up from the library because of the book cover (judged the book by its cover, forgive me... I was a child haha), started reading it, and then I simply got hooked.

Frankly, I don't remember the details of the book, nor do I remember the story. All I remember was how it made me feel; how it made me want to start caring for the world and the people in it.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story inspired by actual kids living on the streets in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Worlds of two different boys merge as they work together to survive. Running away, families, finding and using skill-sets, joining family, poverty, and human trafficking are all themes, and although mature are still appropriate for young-ish readers. A page turning and gripping read for any age. I will certainly seek out more books by Laird. Highly recommended.

[Emily Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good and was different to other children’s books Ive read. It follows Mamo and Dani and how, even though they’re from completely different backgrounds, the both end up on the streets and in the same gang. There are some really heartwarming bits in the book and themes of true friendship and family. I did enjoy the book but felt at times some bits weren’t necessary and therefore made the book feel a bit long. I am very glad I have read it.

[Eleonora Marino · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm am English teacher and have been reading this book with my Year 8 classes. Students have enjoyed the story and have been gripped. Some parts of the story (especially at the beginning) are quite slow and disinterested young readers initially but their interest grew as issues began to develop for the characters. This story is really interesting to help students understand the Ethiopian context and themes on social justice.

[Piiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

umut verici, güzel bir hikaye ve bir tane hariç açık uç yok, o da aslında pek açık uç sayılmaz. daha ziyade iyice hollywood işi gibi tamamen mutlu son olmaması, gerçek dünyadan kopmaması ve yüzümüze vurması için o şekilde bırakılmış; sokakta yaşayan çocuklar/insanlar gerçekliği. kitabı sevdim, yazarın yaklaşımını samimi buldum, malzeme gözü ile bakmamış gibi geldi etiyopya’da yaşarken şahit olduğu olaylar. daha çok zehri bal ile yedirmiş orada vaka-i adiyeden sayılan olayları anlatırken.

[Gwyneth · Rating 4 out of 5]

1. The Garbage King by Elizabeth Laird is a fiction novel for older boys and girls that conveys the exciting and dramatic story of homeless street children forced to do whatever they have to do in order to stay alive in the streets of an Ethiopian city. The two main characters— Mamo and Dani—come from stable families but are tossed by circumstances beyond their abilities to control and into the dangers and hardships of street life. They find a temporary way to survive when they are taken into a street gang led by a tough but charming boy named Million. The gang is composed of kids who have never known the security and happiness of family life. Children of our own culture, protection and comforts of a home as well as family are taken for granted. When reading this book one will be shocked with the huge gap differences, but one will also learn about the deprivations, uncertainties, and sometimes the different experiences many Third World children face. The story of Mamo and Dani, although surprising in its authenticity. The Garbage king is also an inspiring tale of bravery and abundance in a world where danger and anxiety are the norm.


2. Laird has written the book through the life of a 2 boys, one of which has been through a lot and had to managed his own responsibilities in order to survive while the other character is very much “spoon fed” all his life and things aren’t going so well in regards with his family. What I liked about the book are the juxtapositions between the 2 characters and how they solve certain situations alone or with each other. What I learned are that kids in 3rd world countries are striving so hard to receive proper education as well as food and shelter while here in Canada some could not care at all and we take opportunities and in a way abuse them. I believe situations like this can happen and we shouldn’t we ignorant based on looks or actions. I also believe that all children should have the right to proper education therefore we are able to work as a community and solve even bigger problems. If children are just being sold for money, become beggars, or used as slaves how can we innovate? One thing I didn’t like is that Laird took a long time describing something in detail, this somehow causes the story to take really long and many parts did not point directly to the main idea. There is not quite a happy ending, but The Garbage King is a reminder that for most of the street children life will go on as normal, picking garbage for useful items, eating the thrown-away food and taking comfort in each other.

3. “You didn’t say anything wrong. I know your story. Bad things happened to me when I was young. I had to run away too

This was a quote that was spoken from a taxi driver to Mamo, who had to run away from his loved ones when he was young. When the taxi driver was talking I think that Mamo was also thinking about the family he left behind making this a pretty powerful quote because even if we think that we are doing something good we have to make really big sacrifices and it turns out that things don’t go usually as planned. Therefore running away can be an option.

“He felt a horrible trembling sensation begin to shake him, and a cloudy mushiness invaded his mind. Before he fainted, his last thought was “I shouldn’t have done that.” And then, like the flicker of a flame in a dying fire, “No! No! I want to live!”

In this scene Mamo is already sold as a slave and Mamo had accidently let one of the cows go astray resulting to a cow’s death and a beating from the farmer. Mamo felt as if his life has been over and decides that he no longer wants to live therefore he eats a mouthful of poison leaves. I just can’t believe how much it would take a person to decide they didn’t want to live anymore based on their situation but I guess it wasn’t meant to be.

“No, Ruth, you are not to get up. I won’t have you distressed over this. Daniel can’t hide behind you any longer. He’s got to face up to reality”

Here is Ato Paulo (Dani’s dad) talking to his wife that Dani should be sent far away to be taught and understand the reality of life. For the longest time Ruth (Dani’s mom)—who is bed ridden— has always been defending Dani and given him lots of second chances. Now that she is being sent to England for medical purposes Dani’s only option is to run away now that he is no longer under his mother’s wing.

“‘Mm,’ he said. ‘This is good.’ ‘It’s share,’ Mamo said awkwardly. ‘It’s for us both.’ Dani’s face went hot. ‘Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t think.’”

This part of the story made me laugh because Dani sent Mamo to find food because he doesn’t want to be seen in public and so when Mamo arrived back with some food Dani quickly started to eat. without realizing that it was for the both of them, living in a higher class Dani thought that he would have eaten three times that amount in any normal meal he’s used to.

“He was pulling out a beautiful yellow shirt with white buttons and a neat little breast. It was the most magnificent garment Mamo had ever seen close up”

Dani wanted to give Mamo a token for his trust and friendship, it just amazes me because a small gift such as a shirt placed Mamo into shock. I thought that it was really sweet because this gesture made me realize that giving something to someone even if it’s small and not a special holiday can affect them.

[Reina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book. Not great, but good. The book is set in Ethiopia, but it doesn't tell a lot about the country or the culture. I think the thing that bugged me the most was Mamo's relationship with his sister - it seemed like Tiggist didn't care about Mamo at all during the book. That was quite disappointing. The rest of the book as a whole was okay, if not a little bit slow.