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A House in the Sky

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Amanda Lindhout, Sara Corbett

A House in the Sky

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Somalia • 2000s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett recounts Lindhout’s 460-day captivity in Somalia as a Canadian journalist, exploring her mental resilience and hope, and her creation of an inner sanctuary called "a house in the sky." The memoir also delves into the geopolitical complexities of Somalia, emphasizing the impact of civil war and militant groups. The book includes detailed depictions of physical and sexual violence, psychological abuse, and extreme hardship.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Emotional

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.4

76,923 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett is a compelling memoir praised for its vivid storytelling and emotional depth. Readers highlight Lindhout's resilience and the captivating narrative. Some criticize the graphic descriptions of violence as overly intense. Overall, it's a powerful and inspiring account of survival and human spirit.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A House in the Sky?

Readers captivated by intense survival stories and raw personal narratives such as Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer or Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand will find A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett compelling. It is ideal for those who appreciate memoirs revealing resilience and the human spirit against formidable odds.

4.4

76,923 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Amanda Lindhout

An adventurous Canadian journalist whose journey through global reporting leads her to a transformative experience in Somalia, where she endures significant personal challenges and ultimately channels her experiences into humanitarian efforts.

An Australian photojournalist who shares Lindhout's passion for capturing global issues and becomes her co-captive in Somalia, facing similar hardships and exploring a different path to recovery post-captivity.

Lindhout’s mother, who, amidst personal and financial challenges, becomes a crucial figure during Lindhout's captivity by negotiating her release, reflecting her deep maternal dedication and resilience.

One of Lindhout’s captors whose extremist views and actions introduce significant challenges during her captivity, embodying the ideological clash and oppressive atmosphere she faces.

A captor characterized by unpredictable behavior that fluctuates between harshness and sporadic gestures of kindness during Lindhout's captivity, embodying the volatility of her experience.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Somalia • 2000s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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