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misspalah's review against another edition
5.0
It is indeed one of the books that i will recommended to others. Daoud speaks a very simple language yet it carried message within it. He maybe no warrior, but his work as translator might saves his country by garnering attention of the world towards it. The war scenes, the crimes like genocide and rape is described by him as horribly normal act comitted by the army of sudan. His courage should be applauded to bring in more reporters and journalist to cover the scene in sudan and chad. Quite a story , i must tell you, that it grips my heart even after reading it.
mariekeroos's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Violence, Suicide, Kidnapping, Genocide, Death, Body horror, Torture, Child death, Sexual violence, and Rape
pratt_kat23's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
5.0
octavia_cade's review
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Sometimes, I just want to say, about a book, "this is really awful," because there's not much else that can be said beyond that terrible, salient fact. Daoud Hari and his family lived in Darfur before the genocide began, and while many young men of his age joined one or other of the armed resistances, Hari's ability to speak English, Arabic, and Zaghawa meant that his skills put him in demand as a translator. First, he translated for the genocide investigators, as they interviewed over a thousand victims of the atrocities in Darfur, and then he translated for journalists in that region - something that put him in severe danger. Hari is a little cavalier about that danger, but it's clear that he - along with so many of the fighters - consider themselves practically dead anyway, and are just waiting for the act of their murder to catch up with the prospect of it.
This is a bitter, tragic approach, but surrounded by loss and brutality it's hard not to sympathise - some of the stories that he recounts, from the victims of that genocide, are absolutely horrific. I will say that he takes care not to overwhelm the reader with endless hideous examples, but there are enough here that we can imagine the sheer unbearable weight of the rest. What makes it more compelling is the tone and voice of the piece - I hesitate to call it chatty, exactly, but it's friendly and informal. Confiding, almost, as if he's reaching out to a friend; the fact that he's so easy to read and relate to almost makes it worse - there's no escaping the horror through a veneer of academic or organisational distance, for example. I have to admit that there were times I would have liked a little more depth as to what was going on - the first appendix, especially, was helpful in that regard - but that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a very affecting memoir.
This is a bitter, tragic approach, but surrounded by loss and brutality it's hard not to sympathise - some of the stories that he recounts, from the victims of that genocide, are absolutely horrific. I will say that he takes care not to overwhelm the reader with endless hideous examples, but there are enough here that we can imagine the sheer unbearable weight of the rest. What makes it more compelling is the tone and voice of the piece - I hesitate to call it chatty, exactly, but it's friendly and informal. Confiding, almost, as if he's reaching out to a friend; the fact that he's so easy to read and relate to almost makes it worse - there's no escaping the horror through a veneer of academic or organisational distance, for example. I have to admit that there were times I would have liked a little more depth as to what was going on - the first appendix, especially, was helpful in that regard - but that doesn't take away from the fact that this is a very affecting memoir.
katiereads13's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
tense
4.0
jaxgirl007's review
4.0
This book reminds me of how wonderful it is to live in a safe, war-free country. Daoud Hari accomplishes this by telling his story in simple words that reach right for your heart. He doesn't show animosity or hate; he realizes this would make him the same as the tomentors who took away his homeland. Instead, Daoud wants to put an end to the killing by making people aware of what is happening.
While reading this (too short!) story, you get the feeling that Daoud is a simple, but outstanding person who is put to the most amazing test and comes out with a wisdom that all of us can learn from.
Kudos to Daoud for his bravery in life and telling his story.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
While reading this (too short!) story, you get the feeling that Daoud is a simple, but outstanding person who is put to the most amazing test and comes out with a wisdom that all of us can learn from.
Kudos to Daoud for his bravery in life and telling his story.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
elsiebrady's review
4.0
The style is amazing light hearted considering his subject. In the midst of all the pain and suffering Daoud is able to find something to laugh about and share it with us. Very heart-rending. Well worth the read!
guinness74's review
4.0
An incredible and moving account of one man's days in Darfur. I can't begin to imagine how painful his life must have been during this time and to know that it is still occurring is heartbreaking. There are moments in this book that are gut-wrenching. It's hard to imagine how anyone lived through them and continues to maintain a stable life. If you want to know more about the Darfur region and its inhabitants, this is a memoir you should check out.