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All the Glimmering Stars by Mark T. Sullivan had a special pull for me. My daughter studied abroad in Kampala, Uganda, and while I knew the country’s beauty, I also knew its violent past. This novel brought that history into sharp, painful focus.
Inspired by a true story, the book follows Anthony Opoka and Florence Okori, bright, principled teens coming of age in 1990s Uganda. Both believe in being good humans—right up until they’re kidnapped and forced into the Lord’s Resistance Army. Anthony is drawn terrifyingly close to warlord Joseph Kony and his secrets, while Florence fights to hold on to her sense of self as the world around her unravels.
When Anthony and Florence meet, their love becomes a lifeline. It’s not romantic fluff; it’s survival fuel. Together, they dare to imagine escape and devote themselves to helping other child soldiers find freedom and redemption by following the stars.
Sullivan interviewed Anthony and Florence to ensure authenticity, and he has pledged—along with collaborators—to share proceeds from the book and help fund their children’s education. That commitment gives this powerful story even more meaning.