José

"José" is an uplifting novel about a young Indian boy who battles family tragedy, discrimination and a war zone in his quest to play professional soccer. It begins when the tragic death of his father forces José to Kuwait in an effort to support his remaining family. Upon arrival in Kuwait, Jose together with a large group of Indians learns they are in fact destined for an American Military Dining Facility in Iraq!José encounters shootings bombings and death in Iraq, until a Polish soldier recruits José to join an impromptu soccer game against the American troops.
The game results in a new opportunity to escape persecution by fellow Indians and the drudgery of his work in Baghdad. José is encouraged by the Polish soldier to flee Iraq and link up with an old French soccer "mentor" in a quest to fulfill a dream of playing soccer in Europe. The book is part adventure, part love story and offers an insight into life in war torn Iraq that is seldom heard.