This is one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished reading it. A heartbreaking but ultimately life-affirming tale of a young mixed race boy, his white baby brother, their mother who can no longer take care of them, and their journey through the care system in 70's Britain.
Baby Jake is the perfect candidate for adoption, but nobody wants to take his older brother on, so the two are separated, leaving Leon in foster care, singularly focused on getting his baby brother and his Mum back. Emotionally troubled after everything he's been through, he struggles to control his rages as he rails at an unjust and unfair world. He finds sanctuary with foster mother Maureen and some local allotment gardeners,
Set against the backdrop of the London riots, the turmoil in Leon's life is reflected in the real world, coming together for a dramatic denouement. Despite his troubles, Leon is a really lovable character, and you find yourself rooting for him from start to finish. As he strays from the straight and narrow, you find yourself willing him back on track and wishing you could adopt him yourself.
De Waal is truly gifted at created memorable and vivid characters who you fall in love with. They all have their stories and their flaws, but all are imbued with a common thread of love.
Narrated from the point of view of Leon, the use of language is wonderful - with a tarnished innocence reflected in his version of events. I really can't recommend this book enough, such a great read.