This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and (if not signed in) for advertising. By using LibraryThing you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms.
Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Immaculee's family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans. Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional loveâ??a love so strong she was able seek out and forgive her family's killers. The triumphant story of this remarkable young woman's journey through the darkness of genocide will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by fear, suffering, and loss.… (more)
WOW. An inspiring story. Not only what she lived through but, how she was so clearly able to speak to God. The book was so well written. The background information gave more clarity and the details of what transpired were so complete and descriptive. ( )
A quite amazing story of a woman's survival in the midst of genocide. The author is very inspirational, but I found her dedication to God difficult to relate to. Everyone around her is dying, and her faith sustains her in a way I just couldn't relate to. Still, all in all, an excellent read. ( )
Why read this thirty years after the genocide she survived? Because there are crimes against humanity being committed as I write, and because Ms. Ilibagiza offers insight into the effort needed to forgive those who murdered her family and friends. This is not an easy book to read, but it seems to me a necessary one in the present moment. ( )
When we are no longer able to change a situation-- we are challenged to change ourselves. -- Viktor E. Frankl, psychologist, author, and Nazi holocaust survivor
Dedication
To my beloved parents, Leonard and Rose; and my dear brothers Damascene and Vianney, for all the selfless love you gave me. You make heaven a brighter place, and I will love you always.
For my brother Aimable, with much love and in hopes of healing unspoken pain.
And to my new family -- Bryan and our sweet babies, Nikki and Bryan, Jr. -- for giving me a new life, love, and inspiration. You make my life complete. In memory of holocaust victims everywhere.
First words
Chapter 1: The Eternal Spring I was born in paradise. At least, that's how I felt about my homeland while I was growing up.
[Foreword] I've read thousands of books over the past 50 or so years.
[Preface] This book is not intended to be a history of Rwanda or of the genocide; rather it is my own history.
[Introduction] I heard the killers call my name.
[Epilogue] It is impossible to predict how long it will take a broken heart to heal.
Quotations
"When we are no longer able to change a situation--we are challenged to change ourselves." Viktor E. Frankl, psychologist, author, and Nazi holocaust survivor
Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Immaculee's family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans. Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God. She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional loveâ??a love so strong she was able seek out and forgive her family's killers. The triumphant story of this remarkable young woman's journey through the darkness of genocide will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by fear, suffering, and loss.
)
)
Google Books — Loading...
(4.36)
Wikipedia in English (1)
2