An Ordinary Man

Paul describes his uneventful but happy childhood. The village where he grew up, his house, his family, and Rwandan culture have all shaped him—everything from the interesting role that banana beer plays in Rwandan social life, to the Rwandan system of justice have made him the man he is: “if geography creates culture, then the Rwandan mind is shaped like solid green waves. We are the children of the hills, the grassy slopes, the valley roads, the spider patterns of rivers” (3). Paul greatly admires his father, Thomas Rupefure, who enjoys a lot of respect in the community and his words carry a lot of weight. Thomas is a heroic figure in Paul’s life who always wants the best for him, pushes him to be successful during his childhood, and teaches him many important lessons—particularly, the importance of family history: “[w]hoever does not talk to his father never knows what his grandfather said” (12).

Thomas tells his children stories that capture the Rwandan concept of hospitality: in Rwandan culture, those who are suffering must be given shelter, regardless of their circumstances. Paul embraces this notion and carries it into adulthood.