War Child: A Child Soldier's Story (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I judge most things by their flaws, as is probably obvious by now. It is incredibly easy to do so, but I cannot do so for this book. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody with time on their hands. This is one of the stories that needs to be told and heard.This book deserves all five stars for the story it recounts. The prose isn't anything particularly flowery, but I personally felt the prose suited the situation; the more vulnerable the better I think, nothing to dress up or otherwise take away some of the humanity from the text. (And by humanity I do include all of the horrible things I think most privileged people cannot imagine or even deny existing.) In the book, there will be horrible, horrible acts from all manners of people. I cried and I was horrified, because the most chilling part about it was that these were and are real people and not shadowy monsters. That I think is perhaps the most devastating part of this memoir, knowing that all of these atrocities were real, committed by real people who may still be alive today. Western culture tends to emphasise the magical, untouchable and pure state of childhood, and with that previously existing mindset it was sickening to read about a child younger than myself learn to...I want to use the word love -what an awful juxtaposition- love the feeling of being powerful, of hating other people and even killing.But at the same time, there are people in this book who reflect the better side of humanity, people who help and encourage the protagonist even when it seems like his past as a child soldier will continue to harm his future. And with the help of those people, Emmanuel begins to recover. There are of course other challenges he will face, including the violence in Darfur mentioned at the end of the book. The book does not end on a happy note, but it ends with the hope that things will get better. This is the story of an individual boy living through an experience shared by countless others, but I think all stories like these are still unfinished; the rest is left up to the reader to make something of the story. I'm always perplexed at how the world stands back and watches such horrific suffering occur. Jal's story breaks my heart as does that of The Lost Boys. Jal also inspires me, his story is full of unspeakable hardships yet so much opportunity. Funny how God works that way. The story is heart-wrenching yet inspiring. I couldn't put it down once I started. I had to know how Jal became who I know him as today and what the meaning behind his lyrics were.
What do You think about War Child: A Child Soldier's Story (2009)?
this book opens your eyes to understanding child soldiers (the ones that choose to fight)- so sad
—Aprilz123
This book does not read as a story and does not flow well. However, the story is incredible.
—tiffanyxx23
The story of a child raised to war who becomes a musician preaching peace. Good stuff.
—kglend
it is a real story that can change your thinking of other people
—cedarwood
One of the few books to make me cry. Definitely worth reading.
—simonci83
