Corban Addison burst upon the literary scene in 2014 with A Walk Across the Sun. This beautiful, heart wrenching novel follows two orphaned sisters into a life of human trafficking. The book is so much more than a well-written piece of fiction, although it is that. Addison goes behind the scenes to expose the dark secrets of India’s brothels, the hidden rooms of America’s sex trafficking operations, the inhumane methods of international drug trafficking, and the hopeless slavery of forced labor around the world. Addison translates the real horror so many face into realistic fiction, inspiring readers to defeat the darkness of the world with love.
Similarly to A Walk Across the Sun, in The Garden of Burning Sand Addison again tells a dark story with golden threads of hope woven throughout. The backdrop is sub-Saharan Africa. The cornerstone, a young girl with Down Syndrome found wandering the streets after a vicious rape. Addison weaves together Kuyeya’s story of stolen innocence with the stories of those trying desperately to bring her justice. Along the way he describes the breathtaking views of Victoria Falls and Cape Town, the maze-like slums of Zambia, and the inner workings of the African legal system. Addison’s own knowledge of the law and the efforts of the International Justice Mission provide the foundation for the harsh realities his characters face.
Though the books are not for the faint of heart, they are vital for the truths they represent. The wealthy of this world have an obligation to bring justice and generosity to the oppressed. Though the books are not Christian in nature, they teach the biblical truths of caring for orphans and seeking justice for those in bondage. Beyond being excellent novels, these books force readers to face their responsibility for their fellow man. Addison also offers practical solutions for engaging in the fight for justice.
I highly encourage readers to get all three of his titles, as I am quite sure his third book will follow in the footsteps of the other two. I look forward to reading it myself soon.