Book Review: The Road to Home

 

Written by: Vannessa Del Fabbro
Could you ever imagine growing up in the wild and untamed nation of Africa?
Even with all it’s many difficulties – – racism, disease, violence, and intense
poverty?



A nation where running water in some parts is a novelty? How would you
have enjoyed living there? Would you have given up or ran away?

In The Road to Home you meet two women who both grew up among those features and
struggles of South Africa. Yet in many ways are polar opposite. Monica is a
white African, privileged and protected in till tragedy struck. Then she
realized how much of the real Africa, and her divine purpose she was missing.
Ellie on the other hand was a black African who new the worst of Africa, it’s
wars, it’s poverty, and it’s betrayals. Yet even then she still prevailed, all
while living with a horrid disease she did not deserve. These two women brought
together by a seemingly chance encounter (was it really just mere chance?)
forged a friendship that would span ages, change their lives, as well as the
lives of many other, and touch two amazingly precious children.

This book is truly entertaining and captivating. It is the first book written by
author Vanessa Del Fabbro. Who herself grew up in the world of South Africa. The
fact she knew her setting and subject so personally really adds dimension to the
novel. This book teaches you that even amidst adversity you can prevail and
become a better person. It also makes you realize how privileged you are to live
in the U.S.A where running water, electricity, jobs, safety and freedom are so
readily taken for granted. Even more importantly it shows that no matter what
color a persons skin may be, or what disease may be racking their body that they
too are special and that the deserve to be treated with love and respect – just
like everyone else.

I would readily recommended this book to anyone. Especially if you enjoy novels
with a deeper meaning woven through. It’s 312 pages long, and has discussion
questions on the end which would make it a wonderful read for a book club or
another gathering. The author is also currently working on a sequel to this
novel and I imagine that if it’s anything like the first it will be extremely
enjoyable. So pick up this book the next time your looking for a meaningful read
and enjoy it!
 

Title: The Road to Home
Author:
Vannessa Del Fabbro
Publisher: Steeple Hill
ISBN: 0-373-78537-2
Review Written By:

Elisabeth Atkins