Younes is still an impressionable young boy when his family loses everything and is forced to move to the Algerian slum of Jenane Jato.
His father is an overly proud man who refuses help from his wealthy brother, Mahi. But life in the city is difficult and he grudgingly agrees to let Younes live with Mahi to give him a chance at life.
Mahi, a pharmacist, is married to a Christian woman, Germaine, and they have no children. Both long for a child of their own.
Younes is the answer to their prayers and they welcome him into their home with open arms. Germaine renames him Jonas and so life begins in the affluent European town of Rio Salado.
Despite the overwhelming love of Germaine and Mahi and a unique friendship between him and three other boys in Rio Salado, Younes never really fits in.
But life is good and the four friends form an enduring bond that nothing will shake |- not even the Algerian war.
But when Emilie arrives in the town an epic love story is set in motion that will challenge the boys’ friendship.
Suddenly Younes is forced to confront the burden of choosing between two worlds – Algerian or European; loyal or selfish; surrendering to fate or taking control of his destiny.
Set against the Algerian war of independence, this story is more than just a love story. It examines with powerful compassion and empathy the rifts between lovers, family and friends who love one country but in so many different ways.
Beautifully written, this is a heartbreakingly sad story of love, loss and humanity. – Meneesha Govender
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