The Fastest Boy in the World

Just like Solomon I love running. I might not be the fastest girl in the world but I think I am pretty fast.

This story is happening in Ethiopia, a country in the Horn of Africa, which is the homeland of some of the fastest athletes in the world. Although Elizabeth Lair is not a native of Ethiopia, she has lived and travelled in the country and learned a lot about its culture and everyday life. The Fastest Boy in the World shows this beautifully, intertwining family life, society and history. But predominantly, it is a story about a young boy from a poor family in the countryside who has dreams to follow the countries tradition and become the fastest runner in the world.

"Running isn't all about your legs and arms. They do the work, of course (your legs especially), but what really matters is what's going inside your head."

Life in Ethiopia

I have to admit I don't know much about Ethiopia, so reading this book inspired me to do a bit of a reserch. Many names and events mentioned in the book are real, like the athletes who return from the Olimpic Games. Derartu Tulu was the first Ethiopian to win the Olimpic gold, and won a total of 6 world and Olimpic gold medals. At the last Olimpic Games in 2016 another Ethiopian, Almaz Ayana, won the gold in the 10,000 m race setting a World Record which she still holds. Feyisa Lilesa won silver in the man's marathon.

Although it is a democratic republic now, Ethiopia used to be an kingdom and Haile Selassie was its last Emparor. Its capital, Addis Ababa, is a big and modern city, but Ethiopia is also one of the poorest countries in the world.

If you want to read more Ethiopian stories, Elizabeth Laired has collected and retold in English about 300 folktales available here.

1. traditional Ethiopian house source

2. Derartu Tulu source

3. Ethiopian boy in traditional costume source

4. Injera source