John Dollay (known to all as Zou) is a 12-year-old live-wire who is the heart and soul of the Jesuit school he attends. His mother, Madelaine, is a fervent Catholic while his father, Pierre, has abandoned almost all religious practice, eager to curry favor with his company’s bosses in the Congo. Influenced by his mother and his teacher Father Ferval, Zou himself is intensely religious…which doesn’t stop him being a bundle of fun and getting into lots of mischief and trouble!
When Madelaine tells Zou that they are both going to join Pierre Dollay in the Congo, the little boy is overjoyed. Zou’s new life lives up to all his expectations and he soon gets caught up in all kinds of adventures.
But there is one dark cloud that constantly hangs over Zou and his mother: Pierre Dollay’s indifference and even hostility towards the Faith. Will Zou, his mother and the zealous Father Bernard succeed in being God’s instruments in bringing Monsieur Dollay back to the Church?
This book is packed full of adventure but also with wonderful examples for Catholic children.
Suggested for ages 11 and up.