Scan barcode
nelsonmaam's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful and horrifying recount of the miraculous healing power of the Atonement in a modern-day tragedy! This is not a "feel-good" book, but is so powerful and has taught me so much!
ciikum's review against another edition
4.0
It was a worthwhile read, if only I had such faith. That she doesn't have hatred & bitterness, is amazing. A must read to understand some of Rwandan history.
clairedaniel3's review against another edition
4.0
I've also heard her speak, and her strength and faith is amazing!
xxstefaniereadsxx's review against another edition
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
3.0
This book was heart wrenching. I cannot fathom how it is possible for genocide to continue in this day and age. The world has become more modern, but it has certainly not become more civilized. Nearly a million people in Rwanda were murdered, mostly by being hacked up with machetes. They were raped. They were beaten. They were discriminated against. They had their property stolen, their jobs taken away. It was truly disgusting behavior. This is the personal account of one such Rwandan woman, whose family was murdered during the genocide. She and a few other women managed to hide out in the bathroom of a sympathetic pastor. During this time, she came to know God and decided to forgive the people who had caused her so much pain. I hate to say I liked a book with this subject matter, but it was a good read. I found it very informative on the subject of the Rwandan genocide. I know a lot of people hate the books that have to do with religion, but it didn't bother me at all.
mturney1010's review against another edition
4.0
This book was a super fast, but difficult read. It was an interesting experience, because at times it felt like an out if body experience, almost as if I was outside my mind, watching myself read. It sounds crazy, but I couldn't deal with the associated emotions of such a horrific tragedy.
I loved her beautiful relationship with God, and her persistent hope. My favorite scene was when she forgave the man who murdered her mother and brother, and when asked why she forgave him she replied, "it was all I have to give." She is a shining example of being stripped down to the bare bones of human existence, having her family taken away, her home and possessions destroyed, her health and body compromised, and she can still be whole, because she forgave, and she maintained a relationship with God.
I loved her beautiful relationship with God, and her persistent hope. My favorite scene was when she forgave the man who murdered her mother and brother, and when asked why she forgave him she replied, "it was all I have to give." She is a shining example of being stripped down to the bare bones of human existence, having her family taken away, her home and possessions destroyed, her health and body compromised, and she can still be whole, because she forgave, and she maintained a relationship with God.
stclairs2004's review against another edition
4.0
It is hard to say that I really liked this book because it is about such a horrible time, but it is very well written and very interesting and heartbreaking to read.
mcoleman1250's review against another edition
5.0
"God has spared you for a reason," I answered. "I'm writing down your story, and someday someone will read it and know what happened. You're like me - you've been left to tell." Read during my mother's day binge read. Nothing like reading about an inspiring woman on mother's day!
Speedy summary: Ilibagiza's true story of how she survived the Rawandan holocaust
Thoughts: Not only is the book a deep dive into the experiences of a woman through this holocaust, it is a powerful story of traveling to forgiveness and understanding how to end a cycle a cycle of hatred. It is more than just a terrible story. There is hope from Ilibagiza and knowledge of how things can change for the better.
The Rawandan genocide is a difficult thing to read about, but you should. It isn't a portion of history that should be hidden away. Read Machete Season and Life Laid Bare, two other outstanding novels, to learn more about this tradgedy.
Check out @realreaderreallife for more reviews
Speedy summary: Ilibagiza's true story of how she survived the Rawandan holocaust
Thoughts: Not only is the book a deep dive into the experiences of a woman through this holocaust, it is a powerful story of traveling to forgiveness and understanding how to end a cycle a cycle of hatred. It is more than just a terrible story. There is hope from Ilibagiza and knowledge of how things can change for the better.
The Rawandan genocide is a difficult thing to read about, but you should. It isn't a portion of history that should be hidden away. Read Machete Season and Life Laid Bare, two other outstanding novels, to learn more about this tradgedy.
Check out @realreaderreallife for more reviews
bcbartuska's review against another edition
4.0
Left to Tell is the story of one woman's survival of the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Though heartbreaking, we MUST hear these stories. We must have open ears to validate what people have endured and what they have risen from. I was captivated by Immaculee's story, her faith, her forgiveness. Though she and I do not agree theologically on all issues, I know without a doubt God is using her story for good. Highly recommend, especially for anyone interested in social issues, foreign affairs, war, or history.