A review by danielle_dore
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust by Immaculée Ilibagiza

5.0

This was hard to read, but at the same time, hard to put down. The Rwandan Holocaust is something I knew nothing about, and I was shocked that it happened so recently and like the Holocaust of WWII, even allowed to take place. I felt so frustrated that nothing prevented this travesty from happening. Immaculee loses everyone she loves to murder. She huddles in a tiny bathroom with other women and prays for relief, but also for the ability to forgive. Yes, forgiveness is the main message of this incredible story. When I turned the last page I felt truly inspired, because it made sense. Although others might not deserve forgiveness, it is the best thing we can give ourselves. Staying angry will not change anything, and the ones who wrong you do not care if you are angry or not. Forgiveness can give you freedom. That is why her survival story is not just about her physical survival, it is about her mental survival as well. I am sure most people who went through what she did and came out alive did not fare so well in life as she did. Her mental attitude saved her from a lifetime of hurt, anger, and despair. If you can handle bearing witness to the atrocities that take place in this story, I highly recommend reading it for two reasons. One, to educate yourself about the Rwandan Holocaust if like me, you knew nothing about it. Two, to experience the power of forgiveness through Imacullee's eyes. You will never forget it.