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thepetitepunk's review
4.0
A Long Way Gone is the memoir of Ishmael Beah, who was a child soldier in the war in Sierra Leone. Besides the first chapter or so, this memoir almost immediately launches into details about the war; needless to say, this is a heavy read. As all wars stories are, A Long Way Gone is horrifying and graphic and while reading, it was hard for me to grasp the fact that these were real experiences and events.
This memoir raises many questions about humanity and morality. It's purpose is not to send a message of hope or show how brave Beah was. It does not end on a positive note. But it does get the audience thinking. There is emotion behind it. There is a call for change.
The one thing that didn't really resonate with me was the writing style. Although it made sense in some parts, I felt very disconnected from Beah. There was a lot of telling instead of showing. Emotion words were used, but not described. Some of the events were quickly glossed over, even though Beah emphasized the importance of them. This is tricky however because it is Beah's life, and it is completely understandable if there were some parts of his story he didn't remember or didn't want to describe. Still though, A Long Way Gone is a memorable story that is definitely worth the read.
This memoir raises many questions about humanity and morality. It's purpose is not to send a message of hope or show how brave Beah was. It does not end on a positive note. But it does get the audience thinking. There is emotion behind it. There is a call for change.
The one thing that didn't really resonate with me was the writing style. Although it made sense in some parts, I felt very disconnected from Beah. There was a lot of telling instead of showing. Emotion words were used, but not described. Some of the events were quickly glossed over, even though Beah emphasized the importance of them. This is tricky however because it is Beah's life, and it is completely understandable if there were some parts of his story he didn't remember or didn't want to describe. Still though, A Long Way Gone is a memorable story that is definitely worth the read.
highdjo's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
abbywebb's review
5.0
One of the most moving books I have EVER read. This is a true account of a boy from Sierra Leone who suffered through the civil war, eventually becoming a war soldier fighting against the guerillas. No matter what side these kids fought on, they suffered compounding PTSD which most of us Westerners could not even begin to fathom.
Please go out and read this book. Beah speaks at universities and in communities around the world so go see him if you get a chance! This is a book that you will not be able to put down and that you will not forget for the rest of your life.
Please go out and read this book. Beah speaks at universities and in communities around the world so go see him if you get a chance! This is a book that you will not be able to put down and that you will not forget for the rest of your life.
stardewrally's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
fast-paced
4.5
An excellent memoir. I think I would’ve benefited from the historical context at the end being given at the beginning
reaingmom02's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Blood