95 pages • 3 hours read
Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust
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Book Brief
256
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Rwanda • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza recounts her survival of the 1994 Rwandan genocide as a young Tutsi woman, hiding with seven other women in a bathroom for three months before seeking refuge with French soldiers and later rebuilding her life and securing a job with the United Nations. The narrative emphasizes her unwavering faith, forgiveness, and spiritual strength amid extreme adversity. This book details graphic violence and tragic losses associated with genocide.
Inspirational
Challenging
Emotional
Hopeful
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
50,854 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Immaculée Ilibagiza’s Left To Tell is widely lauded for its inspiring narrative of survival during the Rwandan genocide. Readers appreciate her powerful storytelling and message of forgiveness. However, some find the repetitive recounting of spiritual experiences less engaging. Overall, it’s a deeply moving testament to human resilience and faith.
Who Should Read Left To Tell?
A reader who would enjoy Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza is interested in personal narratives of survival and resilience through extreme adversity, particularly during the Rwandan Genocide. Fans of Elie Wiesel's Night and Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning would appreciate the powerful, inspiring, and transformative story of faith and forgiveness.
50,854 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Leonard Ukulikyinkindi
Leonard Ukulikyinkindi
Immaculée's father, known as a wise and respected leader in their community, who greatly values education for his children. He is seen as the family's protector and has a reputation for helping others in times of need.
Marie Rose Kankindi
Marie Rose Kankindi
Immaculée's mother, a compassionate and hardworking woman devoted to her family and community. She is admired for her kindness and generosity.
Damascene
Damascene
Immaculée's older brother, characterized by his humor, intelligence, and close bond with her. He is a bright scholar and has a social, friendly nature.
Vianney
Vianney
The youngest of Immaculée's siblings, he is described as an innocent and loveable boy. His journey during the genocide is impacted by his youth.
Aimable
Aimable
The eldest sibling and one of the two family survivors, he is quiet, introspective, and known for his peaceful nature. Aimable is away in Senegal for graduate studies during the genocide.
Pastor Murinzi
Pastor Murinzi
A Protestant Hutu minister who provides refuge to Immaculée and other Tutsi women during the genocide. Despite past tensions with Immaculée's father, he is a man of faith who opposes the violence.
256
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Rwanda • 1990s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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