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karinlib's review
3.0
This is Ousman Umar's memoir. Umar was curious from an early age about the world outside of his small village in Ghana. After only two years of schooling he has to stop and become an apprentice. Not only does he learn about becoming a mechanic, but how to navigate the world on his own.
At the tender age of twelve he starts a 5 year journey that will eventually end in Europe.
Although I have read about these journeys from Africa to Europe before, I am glad I read it. I am also glad that the author provided a map to show his travels.
At the tender age of twelve he starts a 5 year journey that will eventually end in Europe.
Although I have read about these journeys from Africa to Europe before, I am glad I read it. I am also glad that the author provided a map to show his travels.
lb94's review
1.0
Ousman's story of his journey to a different life is truly interesting and he has very clearly been through hell and survived.
However, the book itself is much too short to make an impact. While his journey was long and arduous, each section flashes by very quickly in the book and many events are glossed over without much thought.
It sets up an interesting tale then gives it no time to happen; one paragraph sets up worry and anxiety, for it to then end with 'everything turned out alright in the end'.
The book travels at break neck speeds, yet somehow manages to repeat itself constantly. This book could have been twice as long, and have been far better for it.
However, the book itself is much too short to make an impact. While his journey was long and arduous, each section flashes by very quickly in the book and many events are glossed over without much thought.
It sets up an interesting tale then gives it no time to happen; one paragraph sets up worry and anxiety, for it to then end with 'everything turned out alright in the end'.
The book travels at break neck speeds, yet somehow manages to repeat itself constantly. This book could have been twice as long, and have been far better for it.
corkspork's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.75
I've read several refugee stories recently but this is the only one that's nonfiction. It's a truly mesmerizing, heartbreaking, and inspiring tale.
danimain's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Kidnapping, Rape, Xenophobia, Slavery, and Murder
bookgirl_sfz's review
5.0
When you read memoirs and see people live such drastically different lives than we do its a humbling experience. This was emotional and inspiring book
lolobrady's review against another edition
5.0
Most memoirs like this have the capacity to make you feel sorry for the person who went through the impossible, but this booked left me humbled & grateful. The author just stuck with the facts. Not a ton of emotions, but that is what I liked the most. It was empowering, honest, and a quick read. I even donated to his NGO. The book is an amazing reminder that the smallest acts of generosity can really put someone on a path of success.