All the Glimmering Stars: A Novel

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4,588 ratings

Price: 27.55

Last update: 12-27-2024


About this item

Inspired by a true story, two teens kidnapped by an African warlord find salvation through love in a powerful and healing historical novel from the #1 bestselling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Last Green Valley.

Anthony Opoka and Florence Okori are coming of age in Uganda in the 1990s. Outstanding students, they believe in being good humans before they are kidnapped and forced into the fanatical Lord’s Resistance Army.

In a legion of young recruits, no one gets closer than Anthony to powerful messianic warlord Joseph Kony and his darkest secrets. To stay sane as he spirals through chaos, Anthony clings to his childhood lessons about being a good human. Florence’s upbringing grounds her, too, helping her keep her dreams alive even as she’s pulled deeper into the insanity of Kony’s war.

At the lowest points of their lives, certain they’ll never go home, Anthony and Florence meet by chance, fall in love, and begin to dream of surviving their captivity. They devote their lives to helping their fellow child soldiers escape bondage and return to their families and redemption by following the stars.

By turns tender, shocking, moving, desperate, and ultimately triumphant, Florence and Anthony’s story is an epic drama of humanity, a life-affirming tale, and an experience readers will never forget.

Featuring an afterword by Anthony and Florence Opoka.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Michele Waite
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Story! A Must Read!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2024
    I knew All the Glimmering Stars by Mark Sullivan was a five star read by chapter three as I was engrossed with the story and Mark's writing style. Although this book covers extremely difficult issues, the love and spirituality throughout kept me turning the pages. One line in this book that I felt to be very poignant: "...a human who knows how to love...". Beautiful! Mark Sullivan has created another exemplary historical novel with characters so full of life I found myself dreaming about them, (Anthony & Florence, mostly). I highly recommend All the Glimmering Stars by Mark Sullivan. Make sure you read his Author Notes as they're imperative to not only this story, but also to the future.
  • Bridget
    5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful
    Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2024
    A book I couldn’t put down. Mark Sullivan is an artist. He tells these stories and brings us along on horrific, beautiful and complicated journeys. Along the way we learn about ourselves and God and the human experience. Such a heartbreaking story- but a love story through and through.
  • Lisa J. Randall
    4.0 out of 5 stars Anthony and Florence
    Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2024
    This was a hard book to read because of the harshness of the content. The unbelievable things the child soldiers were made to do and endure. However, I was compelled every day to read more. I wanted to know what happened to Anthony and Florence. What amazing people they are. They are real! They survived! Their story is not a cheery, rosy story. But their love is beautiful! They are GOOD humans! Thank Mr. Sullivan for telling their story.
  • tazmanion book lover tas
    5.0 out of 5 stars True story
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
    I learned a lot from this book. Of course I've heard of these things happening but this story really brings it into the light of how much cruelty they endured. Mark Sullivan is an awesome writer. This story will remain with me a long time. It's a must read. Hard at times but yet a great love story.
  • R. Brodeur
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story about overcoming horrific circumstances
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2024
    Mark Sullivan has done it again! His ability to bring the emotions and thoughts and dreams of the people he writes about is unparalleled. I learn so much about other areas of our world and the extreme hardships people face when reading his books. What Anthony and Florence (and others) had to endure was so horrible, yet they persevered and let love guide their actions. I am blown away not only by their choice to live their lives full of love and forgiveness, but also HOW they do it - with grace and determination while overcoming each and every setback. I cried, laughed, covered my mouth in horror, and clutched my heart. This book and the people in it will stay in my heart, mind, and prayers for a long time.
  • R. Zervas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Staying Power
    Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024
    I read Mr. Sullivan's Beneath a Scarlet Sky about 3 years ago and it remains one of my all time favorite stories. All the Glimmering Stars is such a compelling story and I think it, too will remain with me for a long time. The message of love and forgiveness to heal all wounds is so powerful and the unthinkable experiences that Anthony and Florence endured for so many years makes our grievances pale in comparison.

    Mr. Sullivan's writing style - this is where I have difficulty writing a review - is just smooth - it flows and holds the reader's attention throughout the story. This restless reader could not have gotten through this or any story if it were not written in such a manner.

    I highly recommend this book for its message of endurance under the very worst of circumstances, the strength of character shown by Anthony and Florence, especially their ability to forgive and let go. I could count on one hand the books I was truly inspired by and will remember. Mark Sullivan's books have that impact on you. They have staying power
  • Saul
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful and True Story With Many Valuable Life Lessons
    Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
    What at first was a pleasant story of young people growing up in Northern Uganda became a tale of unfathomable evil and horror. However it eventually showed how good people in the worst of circumstances can use the values and teachings their families raised them with to triumph and then grow to help and teach others in this world. One of the best books I've ever read.
  • Shirley J.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
    Reviewed in the United States on July 15, 2024
    This was an amazing book and I highly recommend it to readers who can handle extreme violence, cruelty and death of young, kidnapped children. That said, it is at the same time full of hope and love and life’s lessons we can all use to be good humans.

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