Helpful Score: 5
This book is very well written and very hard to read because the content is so heartrending. In a series of stories, children of Africa recount events in their tragic lives. It is an important book for helping us to understand how conflict tears away the fabric of human existence.
Helpful Score: 3
Five stories (all written in the eyes of children) that are heartbreaking, not only because of the story lines but also because they are based on fact. These children are living in terrible circumstances, yet Akpan reminds us that they bounce back quickly to try to survive. Some of the dialog takes some getting used to, but once you figure it out, everything flows smoothly. As the author mentions, many Americans know little about life elsewhere and seemingly, don't want to know. Read these heartwrenching stories, and you will know a little more about life elsewhere, specifically in Africa. Although depressing, these stories are well-written and impressive... I am in awe.
Helpful Score: 2
This book gave me an insight into the problems facing the people of Africa. The language made it hard to understand, though I understand that it was necessary to tell the stories as realistically as possible. A rather depressing book and some of the stories seemed incomplete.
Helpful Score: 1
This book was hard to read. The heartbreaking stories, and the knowing that this really does go on is almost too much to take. It is a great book, just not a happy book at all. I do recommend it for anyone that can handle the sadness.
Helpful Score: 1
Well written and heartfelt. A moving collection of stories written from children's view of hearbreaking circimstanaces they find themselves in. I shall re-read this. If you liked, Little Bee, I think you'll need to read this too. It will move you and stay with you.
