Julian

About the Book

Julian is the story of a young Mozambican man who endears himself to an American ambassador serving in Portugal and visiting Mozambique. Julian’s handsomeness and love of beauty attracts friends wherever he goes as he travels with the Ambassador to countries in Europe and finally to the United States. The conflict between American values and African values lies at the root of all of the challenges Julian faces. The story, set in the time frame of the civil rights movement in America and African liberation, explores philosophical questions such as the relationships between men and women, homosexuality, American ignorance of the lifestyles and problems of people outside of this nation, race relations in the United States, marriage, alcoholism, drug addiction, and the meaning of manhood. Julian is forced to learn that independence has its price. He goes from an illiterate child to a polished admired gentleman without ever experiencing a formal education, a fact that he hides from all who admire him. He also goes from a seemingly rich young bachelor to a street drug addict. He asks many questions throughout the book and has to determine whom he can trust for answers that feel right to him. This action packed book is thought provoking, and full of real history. It causes the reader to re-examine values and explore new ways of considering old ideas. The ending is surprising. The major characters become real people who will be missed when the book ends.

About the Author

Carol Cantu, a native Philadelphian, has been in the field of education for all of her professional life, with experiences in Canada, Costa Rica, Kenya, and the United States. She has worked in both private and public schools. Carol has taught from pre-K through adult, and has experience in classroom teaching, counseling, administration, supervision, and consulting. A graduate of Oakwood College, in Huntsville, Alabama; Bowie State University, in Bowie, Maryland; and Greenleaf University - International Graduate School- in St. Louis, Missouri, she is the author of three books, a lecturer, and an administrator for Prince George's County Public Schools in Maryland.