Description

Book Synopsis

Winner of the 2014 UKLA Award

Deo is a great footballer, a fierce protector of his older brother, Innocent. His brother is easily nervous, easily happy but good at keeping score on the dusty fields of Zimbabwe where the boys play.

Then Mugabe's soldiers come, destroying the only home the boys have known. Now, Deo has nothing but his brother, and a football stuffed with billions of worthless dollars. And so starts their journey to find their father. But with soldiers everywhere, they have only one chance to cross the border, one chance to escape.

In face of such a challenge, it is Deo's brotherly love that endures, his belief that he will lead them both to safety. Micheal Williams's is a masterful storyteller who pulls you along the journey of a lifetime. Deo and Innocent's journey is a universal story of hope in the face of despair, and the search for a better life.



Trade Review
The triumph of human endeavour against a harrowing landscape... A gripping, powerful tale that will more than touch your soul. Quite simply, this story needs to be read. * Jason Wallace, multi-award-winning author of 'Out of Shadows' *
A wonderfully written, thought-provoking novel. . . It deserves a wide audience. * Bali Rai *
From the dusty fields of Zimbabwe to the refugee camps of South Africa, this is a heartbreaking, unputdownable tale of prejudice, resilience and brotherly love. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *
Gripping, suspenseful and deeply compassionate * Kirkus Review *
This is a moving and important story about the brutality that takes place when dictators rule and hatred mounts. But it is ultimately uplifting when, united by football, a group of South African refugees reach the Street Soccer World Cup final. -- Vanessa Lewis * Bookseller *

Now is the Time for Running

    Product form

    £8.54

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £8.99 – you save £0.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 18 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Michael Williams

    10 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Now is the Time for Running by Michael Williams

      Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
      Publication Date: 07/06/2012
      ISBN13: 9781848530836, 978-1848530836
      ISBN10: 1848530838

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Winner of the 2014 UKLA Award

      Deo is a great footballer, a fierce protector of his older brother, Innocent. His brother is easily nervous, easily happy but good at keeping score on the dusty fields of Zimbabwe where the boys play.

      Then Mugabe's soldiers come, destroying the only home the boys have known. Now, Deo has nothing but his brother, and a football stuffed with billions of worthless dollars. And so starts their journey to find their father. But with soldiers everywhere, they have only one chance to cross the border, one chance to escape.

      In face of such a challenge, it is Deo's brotherly love that endures, his belief that he will lead them both to safety. Micheal Williams's is a masterful storyteller who pulls you along the journey of a lifetime. Deo and Innocent's journey is a universal story of hope in the face of despair, and the search for a better life.



      Trade Review
      The triumph of human endeavour against a harrowing landscape... A gripping, powerful tale that will more than touch your soul. Quite simply, this story needs to be read. * Jason Wallace, multi-award-winning author of 'Out of Shadows' *
      A wonderfully written, thought-provoking novel. . . It deserves a wide audience. * Bali Rai *
      From the dusty fields of Zimbabwe to the refugee camps of South Africa, this is a heartbreaking, unputdownable tale of prejudice, resilience and brotherly love. -- Fiona Noble * The Bookseller *
      Gripping, suspenseful and deeply compassionate * Kirkus Review *
      This is a moving and important story about the brutality that takes place when dictators rule and hatred mounts. But it is ultimately uplifting when, united by football, a group of South African refugees reach the Street Soccer World Cup final. -- Vanessa Lewis * Bookseller *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account