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ardaigle's review against another edition
5.0
What a heartbreaking tale. I was completely unaware of the atrocities committed in Rwanda and this novel paints a very clear picture of the horror that took place there during the genocide in the 90s. Rusesabagina tells his story simply and honestly and doesn't glorify his role: it is what it is.
I enjoyed the end of the book immensely because instead of just ending the story with the end of his role, he explained the necessary steps in order to prevent this from happening again. Not only that, but he explained the steps required to rebuild Rwanda. His capacity for hope, despite everything, is amazing. Truly an empowering and enlightening read.
I enjoyed the end of the book immensely because instead of just ending the story with the end of his role, he explained the necessary steps in order to prevent this from happening again. Not only that, but he explained the steps required to rebuild Rwanda. His capacity for hope, despite everything, is amazing. Truly an empowering and enlightening read.
bridget_voisin's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
A powerful story. It was interesting to read about horrors from someone who experienced it. The author shows great love and strength. I enjoy hearing about his love for his country and love for his family and people. This story is not for the faint of heart but can be rewarding to learn from history.
sally1's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to the audio version of this book, and I know that added to the experience of his story. It was as though Mr. Rusesabagina was telling his story personally. Truly an inspirational and enlightening story that everyone should hear.
cozylittlebrownhouse's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the shortest books I have ever read that took me longer to read than many several times its size. I saw Hotel Rwanda when it came out in theaters, but reading the horrors in the words of the man himself was even more gripping and difficult to digest. I think it is important to read books such as these so we know what is happening in the world - too many Americans are closed off from international happenings. Unfortunately, stories like Paul's seem fairly common throughout Africa today. Maybe not to the degree of the massacre in Rwanda, but more so than we even know or understand. This was a powerful read, and it really makes you evaluate your own life and once again reassess how lucky we truly are.
livi_loves_reading's review against another edition
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
meg_thebrave's review against another edition
4.0
A very well written autobiography that was both moving and informative. The way Rusesabagina weaves together his story and history with that of his country is incredible and flawless, and it is easy to see the influence of Rwanda in his words. I loved his emphasis on the power words have, how they may be the strongest weapons and tools that we have.
bobobooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.75
bookswithgin's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.0
Be prepared that this is a terribly dark corner of history. Growing up a child of the 90s, I feel like I was shielded from the news about Rwanda, and I'm glad this book was so informative. The author is a very brave man!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide
bluenicorn's review against another edition
3.0
It was pretty graphic, but not nearly as much as the movie (Hotel Rwanda). I think it gave me alot more insight into how the whole genocidal situation developed in the first place- the kind of details that are tricky to incorporate into a movie plot. It's just so sad in how pointless and brutal the whole thing was.