34 pages • 1 hour read
An Ordinary Man
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Book Brief
224
Book • Nonfiction
Rwanda • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
An Ordinary Man is the 2006 autobiography of Paul Rusesabagina, the manager of a Belgian-owned Rwandan hotel. Written with journalist Tom Zoellner, it centers on the struggles Rusesabagina and his family overcame to survive the racially motivated genocide in Rwanda in 1994, a story later turned into the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda. The narrative uses a conversational tone and plain language. Topics include the Rwandan genocide and its atrocities.
Inspirational
Contemplative
Emotional
Dark
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
7,263 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Drawing from multiple reviews, An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina is lauded for its compelling, firsthand account of the Rwandan genocide, highlighting the author’s bravery and humanitarian efforts. However, some critics find the writing style straightforward to the point of being overly simplistic. Overall, it’s an inspiring but somber memoir that sheds light on a dark period in history.
Who Should Read An Ordinary Man?
A reader who would enjoy An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina is deeply interested in personal narratives that intersect with global history, human rights, and moral courage. Fans of Night by Elie Wiesel and The Diary of Anne Frank will appreciate its poignant, firsthand account of the Rwandan Genocide.
7,263 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Thomas Rupfure
Thomas Rupfure
Paul’s father, who influenced Paul with his sense of justice and care for others, and provided shelter to refugees during the Hutu Revolution of 1959.
Gerald
Gerald
Paul’s best friend from school who comes from a mixed Hutu-Tutsi family and faces discrimination after being expelled due to his Tutsi heritage.
Juvenal Habyarimana
Juvenal Habyarimana
The President of Rwanda from 1973 until his assassination in 1994, whose death precipitated the Rwandan genocide.
Tatiana Rusesabagina
Tatiana Rusesabagina
Paul’s second wife, a Tutsi nurse who shows great resilience during the genocide and supports Paul while caring for their family.
Paul Kagame
Paul Kagame
Current President of Rwanda and commander of the RPF rebel force that ended the 1994 genocide.
Romeo Dallaire
Romeo Dallaire
A Canadian general who led UN troops in Rwanda during the genocide and tried to raise international awareness despite limited support.
224
Book • Nonfiction
Rwanda • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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