John B Franz

The Mabamba Return, A Historical Novel John B Franz

Hal Schroeder has grown up in Congo, the son of American missionary parents, thus making him a Third Culture Kid (TCK)...neither American nor Congolese, something else. He possesses a strange and troubling ability which follows him throughout his life. At age 12 he and his family are caught up in Congo's violent Mulele rebellion. Hal is left traumatized and determined never to return, but like the Mabamba of his youth, he is drawn back. As an adult, a series of disturbing and unsettling events force Hal to face his demons: post-traumatic stress, being a TCK, his unusual gifting and the rejection of his Christian faith. Danger, opportunity and transformation await Hal's memorable return to the African land of his roots.



Dr. John Franz spent four years living and working in Congo as a young adult. He taught American dependents, managed a dorm for missionary children, learned to speak Lingala and absorbed many stories of Congo's early days. These experiences inform his writing, as do insights from graduate degrees he holds in social work and psychology. He is retired from an award-winning career as a university professor, counselor and consultant. Dr. Franz resides in Clovis, California with his wife, BJ, a former MK from Congo.



Third Culture Kids, Christian, Congo, Missionary, PTSD, Healing, Reunion, Trauma, Therapy, Historical novel