blackcalendula1992 's review for:

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

4.0

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Ishmael Beah’s A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier gives a harrowing and honest insight into the devastating effects of war on people, particularly children. Through his memoir, Beah shares his own experience as a child soldier in Sierra Leone's civil war, depicting the horror and destruction that he endured during this time. Beah paints a vivid picture of his life before the war – growing up with his family in rural villages in Sierra Leone. He describes how he loved to listen to music, play soccer with friends, and attend school. But when war broke out in Sierra Leone in 1991, everything changed for young Ishmael. Separated from his family, he was forced to flee his home and wander through various towns and villages for months before being recruited into the army as a child soldier. During this time, Beah details how he was subjected to unimaginable brutality – witnessing horrific scenes of violence on both sides as well as having to commit acts of violence himself. While living through these experiences, Beah talks about how it took him years after leaving the army before he could begin to come to terms with what had happened to him during the war. Throughout A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, Ishmael Beah conveys an important message regarding the long-term physical and psychological consequences that can arise from armed conflict. His story is not just one man’s account; it is also an eye-opening portrait of what war does to all those involved – regardless of age or circumstance – making it an essential read for anyone interested in learning more about this topic.