Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust A3

Name: Kekai Folaumahina
Class: A3
Book: Left To Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
Pages:204
Rating: *****

Recommendation: This book is great for anyone that wants to read about an extraordinary woman in the middle of disaster. It's a great example of what people can achieve if they believe they can do it. Immaculee Ilibagiza's honest, and descriptive story will keep you reading, wondering what horror she will overcome next.

Summary: This is the story of Immaculee Ilibagiza, a young woman in Rwanda. She is one of the lucky, educated women of Rwanda. Eventually the Rawandan genocide erupts in her beloved country. She was then in college, in the middle of the big city. They were murdering Tutsi's, it was some dillusional plan the Hutu's had come up with to get revenge for their years of unfair treatment. she made her way home, where her family were all dead. She eventually found a place to stay in a pastor's bathroom. She was there wigh 8 other women. No one but the pastor knew, and there were raids every couple of weeks, where they would pray, and pray, until they were gone. Immaculee read the bible several times in the bathroom, and learned more of God. When the genocide ended, she stayed rreligious, and forgave the man that murdered her family.

Explanation of Rating: This is an easy read. But the message behind it will stay with you forever. This story of forgiveness, and perseverence is a great example of what humans are capable of, if they have a chance to show it. She tells her story with such description and suspense, that you're rooting for her by the end, and she doesn't disappoint. She didn't keep this story to herself, but let the world know what was happening, and what we need to do to help where help is needed. Everyone needing an uplifting story, but doesn't like to read, will enjoy this book.

Favorite Passage: Felicien was sobbing. I could feel his shame. He looked up at me for only a moment, but our eyes met. I reached out, touched his hands lightly, and quietly said what I'd come to say. "I forgive you."

I like this passage because after all that had happened to her, and her parents, and brother dying, from this man, she forgived him. It would take such strength, and faith to just forgive and forget, even when that man is a murderer. She encouraged me to forgive others. Because if she can forgive a murderer, I can forgive someone for doing something little.