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The Dragons, the Giant, the Women: A Memoir
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Book Brief
The Dragons, the Giant, the Women
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2020272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Liberia • 1990s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Dragons, the Giant, the Women by Wayetu Moore recounts her experiences growing up in Liberia during the First Liberian Civil War, her family's harrowing escape, and their subsequent resettlement in the United States. The narrative follows young Wayetu from her fifth birthday in Caldwell, through her family's flight from advancing rebels, to a village across the border, before shifting to her adult life as a writer in Brooklyn, who confronts her past and returns to Liberia seeking closure. Descriptions of war violence and loss are present in the story.
Emotional
Nostalgic
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
3,420 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Wayetu Moore's The Dragons, the Giant, the Women is praised for its compelling narrative that merges memoir and magical realism to depict her escape from civil war in Liberia. Critics commend its emotional depth and innovative structure. However, some find its shifts in perspective occasionally disorienting. Overall, it is a powerful and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Dragons, the Giant, the Women?
Readers who appreciate memoirs intertwined with history and personal struggle will enjoy Wayetu Moore's The Dragons, the Giant, the Women. Fans of Ishmael Beah's A Long Way Gone or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Half of a Yellow Sun will find Moore's narrative of war, displacement, and resilience compelling and evocative.
3,420 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
MAM MOORE (NÉE FREEMAN)
MAM MOORE (NÉE FREEMAN)
The mother of Wayetu and her siblings, and a strong influence on Wayetu's development. She works to secure refugee status in the US for her family during the Liberian Civil War.
AUGUSTUS “GUS” SIAFFA MOORE
AUGUSTUS “GUS” SIAFFA MOORE
Wayetu's father and Mam's husband, known for his courage during the Liberian Civil War. He cares for his daughters as they face the challenges of displacement and violence.
OL’ MA
OL’ MA
Wayetu's maternal grandmother and one of the influential women mentioned in the book. She supports her daughter Mam's ambitions and has a close relationship with the family.
OL’ PA (CHARLES FREEMAN)
OL’ PA (CHARLES FREEMAN)
The maternal grandfather of Wayetu and husband of Ol’ Ma, who supports education for his daughters. He encounters tragedy during the civil war.
WI
WI
Wayetu's older sister, who survives the First Liberian Civil War with her family. She is six years old when the conflict impacts them.
K
K
Wayetu's younger sister, who is three years old during the First Liberian Civil War and later becomes a psychiatrist.
TORMA
TORMA
A teenage family caretaker and third cousin from the Vai tribe, who lives with the Moores after Mam leaves for the US. She is responsible for caring for the daughters.
SAMUEL DOE
SAMUEL DOE
The former President of Liberia whose actions contributed to the civil unrest that affected the Moore family. His downfall intensifies the country's conflict.
PRINCE JOHNSON
PRINCE JOHNSON
A former Liberian army lieutenant who played a key role in the conflict and later formed his own faction. His actions contribute to the war's complexity.
CHARLES TAYLOR
CHARLES TAYLOR
A central figure in the Liberian conflict who later becomes president. His involvement in the civil war affects many lives, including the Moores.
SATTA FAHNBULLEH
SATTA FAHNBULLEH
A Vai woman and former rebel who plays a crucial role in reconnecting the Moore family during the civil war. She is an important symbol in Wayetu's story.
JOHNNY BOY
JOHNNY BOY
A white man from the US whom Wayetu dates in New York City. Known for his political views and sometimes thoughtless remarks, he represents a typical American type in the memoir.
AGNES FALLAH KAMARA-UMUNNA
AGNES FALLAH KAMARA-UMUNNA
A casual acquaintance of Wayetu, who hosted a UN-sponsored radio show interviewing figures involved in Liberia's civil war. She helps Wayetu access stories of former rebels.
272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Liberia • 1990s
2020
Adult
18+ years
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