By Sue-Ann de Wet

It is quite exceptional to publish a book when you’re 13 years old. To come up with a second book two years later – this time a complete novel – is testimony to extraordinary talent, perseverance and a deep love of stories.  

This is exactly what Matthew Esser, a South African boy who currently lives in Scotland, has successfully done.

In 2024, when Matthew was only 13 years old, he published his first English book on Amazon. This book is not a traditional story, but an impressive informative book about the completely fictional land that he created himself. What makes it remarkable, is the detail and structure with which he built this world: its own flag, anthem, language, measuring system, religion and extensive maps of the different regions. By cleverly using real world concepts, Matthew takes the reader on a voyage of discovery through a new, imaginary society – one that was thoroughly and reliably conceptualised.

Two years later, Matthew s took his writing skills to the next level with the publication of his second English book; this time a novel. The story focuses on the life and complex journey of the main character Myfrang and is set in the same world that he had created so thoroughly in his first book. Where the first book created the building blocks of the world, the novel gives life to this world through character, conflict and emotion.

It is remarkable – and inspiring – that a young author is able to create such a complex storyline and world. Matthew’s achievement shows what is possible when young people are encouraged to give life to their creativity, especially in diaspora communities in which language, identity and imagination often take on new forms.  

Matthew’s books are available on Amazon, including a Kindle edition, and not only offers entertainment, but also a look at the power of a young imagination across country borders.

Links to the books:

• Book 1 (ALIFYAH: The nation of Yerelah): https://amzn.eu/d/08eDPQp
• Book 2 (The tale of Myfrang): https://amzn.eu/d/7BDz0KM
• Kindle edition: https://amzn.eu/d/9PHbRqc

This is a story that reminds us: talent does not know age or borders – sometimes big dreams start with only a boy, an idea and his pen.