A review by kcelena
The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After by Clemantine Wamariya

5.0

‘The Girl Who Smiled Beads’ is the incredible, terrible and inspiring story of the Clementine Waymaria’s life. A childhood survivor of the Rwandan genocide, Waymaria and her sister Claire went from refugee camp to refugee camp, lived in seven countries before arriving in Chicago when Clementine was 13, endured more atrocities and suffering than anyone should, and saw even more horrors inflicted on others. There were beatings and rapes, people forced to survive only off maize, terrible illnesses, and a camp crawling with bugs that burrowed into the feet of anyone trying to walk. I am in awe of the strength they showed, particularly her sister, and disgusted at the humanity this world tried to strip away from them – along with so many others. I wish I could make everyone read this book, particularly those who seem unwilling to give today’s refugees understanding and safe harbor. I read this via the audiobook, and the narrator did an excellent job. Please read this book.