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Sewing Hope
Joseph Kony tore these girls' lives apart. Can she stitch them back together?
For 25 years Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) terrorized Northern Uganda. They abducted children and forced them to commit atrocities against their own families and communities. Girls as young as thirteen were degraded to sex slaves for Kony's officers.
Now, the war is over, but the decades of brutal conflict have deeply scarred the people of Uganda. Child soldiers return to the very communities they committed violent crimes against, and the girls carry with them a constant reminder of their abuse: their captors' children. These girls and their children are often ostracized by their communities, and most lack the skills they need to provide for their families.
Sewing Hope tells the story of one woman's fight to bring hope back to her nation. Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe presides over Saint Monica's Vocational School in Gulu, Uganda. She lived through the horror created by Kony's LRA and now works to heal the wounds he inflicted on her people. She invites formerly abducted girls to Saint Monica's where they learn skills to provide for their families. Through vocational training, these young women gain independence. Through community with their fellow students, they find forgiveness. Through the restoration of their lost futures, they find hope.
For 25 years Joseph Kony and his Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) terrorized Northern Uganda. They abducted children and forced them to commit atrocities against their own families and communities. Girls as young as thirteen were degraded to sex slaves for Kony's officers.
Now, the war is over, but the decades of brutal conflict have deeply scarred the people of Uganda. Child soldiers return to the very communities they committed violent crimes against, and the girls carry with them a constant reminder of their abuse: their captors' children. These girls and their children are often ostracized by their communities, and most lack the skills they need to provide for their families.
Sewing Hope tells the story of one woman's fight to bring hope back to her nation. Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe presides over Saint Monica's Vocational School in Gulu, Uganda. She lived through the horror created by Kony's LRA and now works to heal the wounds he inflicted on her people. She invites formerly abducted girls to Saint Monica's where they learn skills to provide for their families. Through vocational training, these young women gain independence. Through community with their fellow students, they find forgiveness. Through the restoration of their lost futures, they find hope.
177 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 26, 2015
First things first: I'm biased. I've met Sister Rosemary and knew the basics of her story; she's an incredible woman, and I don't think there's anything you could say to make me change my mind on that score.
Second: The book. I don't see the point in rating a book based on the subject—it's what you do with that subject, that story, that makes it or breaks it. Now, Whitten is biased too. He's involved in St. Monica's (mostly fundraising-end stuff); the proceeds from this book go to the nonprofit he started. This was never going to be an in-depth, hard-hitting work of journalism. If there are any 'off' characters, we aren't going to hear about them here.
Still...the basic read was enjoyable. My knowledge of St. Monica's and Sister Rosemary's work was rudimentary, so this painted a much fuller picture for me, which I appreciated. More history might have been helpful—this wasn't, I know, the place for an in-depth look at the LRA and the destruction they wrought, but I would have loved to see more of the students' stories woven into the text. Two or three of them, for example, told sort of in parallel with Sister Rosemary's story (as more than just anecdotes)? I'm not sure. In some ways their stories are the heart of Sister Rosemary's, and I would have liked to see more.
Less interesting is the Pros for Africa end of things. At one point it felt like it was just a list of famous people/athletes who had gotten involved, and that part of the story occasionally dipped into, for a lack of a better term, uncomfortable-overtone-sentimentality: Scooping cups of beans, rice and flour from plastic buckets into the grateful villager' tattered bags, they were touched by the sight of old ladies bending over to retrieve each precious piece that fell to the ground (178). The story's stronger when it sticks to Sister Rosemary and her work (does it tip over into sentimentality there too? Yes. But less uncomfortably). Nice to hear about some of the little things, too—Even after graduation, a girl was welcome to bring her children back to the daycare center every day for three or four years, free of charge, while she worked to secure a solid future for her family (152). Or rather, I suppose that's not a little thing (three or four years!), but what a striking example of a solid understanding of how hard it can be for a single mother, one perhaps with a history of trauma, to get her feet beneath her.
Do I recommend the book? Yes and no. As a book...not really. Inspirational story, if you're into that sort of thing, but the execution is decidedly meh. But—can I recommend Sister Rosemary, in general? (I told you I was biased.) On those grounds it's more worth the read.
Second: The book. I don't see the point in rating a book based on the subject—it's what you do with that subject, that story, that makes it or breaks it. Now, Whitten is biased too. He's involved in St. Monica's (mostly fundraising-end stuff); the proceeds from this book go to the nonprofit he started. This was never going to be an in-depth, hard-hitting work of journalism. If there are any 'off' characters, we aren't going to hear about them here.
Still...the basic read was enjoyable. My knowledge of St. Monica's and Sister Rosemary's work was rudimentary, so this painted a much fuller picture for me, which I appreciated. More history might have been helpful—this wasn't, I know, the place for an in-depth look at the LRA and the destruction they wrought, but I would have loved to see more of the students' stories woven into the text. Two or three of them, for example, told sort of in parallel with Sister Rosemary's story (as more than just anecdotes)? I'm not sure. In some ways their stories are the heart of Sister Rosemary's, and I would have liked to see more.
Less interesting is the Pros for Africa end of things. At one point it felt like it was just a list of famous people/athletes who had gotten involved, and that part of the story occasionally dipped into, for a lack of a better term, uncomfortable-overtone-sentimentality: Scooping cups of beans, rice and flour from plastic buckets into the grateful villager' tattered bags, they were touched by the sight of old ladies bending over to retrieve each precious piece that fell to the ground (178). The story's stronger when it sticks to Sister Rosemary and her work (does it tip over into sentimentality there too? Yes. But less uncomfortably). Nice to hear about some of the little things, too—Even after graduation, a girl was welcome to bring her children back to the daycare center every day for three or four years, free of charge, while she worked to secure a solid future for her family (152). Or rather, I suppose that's not a little thing (three or four years!), but what a striking example of a solid understanding of how hard it can be for a single mother, one perhaps with a history of trauma, to get her feet beneath her.
Do I recommend the book? Yes and no. As a book...not really. Inspirational story, if you're into that sort of thing, but the execution is decidedly meh. But—can I recommend Sister Rosemary, in general? (I told you I was biased.) On those grounds it's more worth the read.
June 20, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and learning more about Sister Rosemary and the girls. However during part 3 of the book I found myself cringing multiple times over some statements that screamed “white savior complex”. But at least the author recognizes in the last few pages that going to “Africa” (in quotes because Africa is huge!) actually helps said person more than the people they seek to assist.
July 19, 2014
Inspirational. Read about this wonderful nun who indeed sews hope not just for the victims of Joseph Kony, but for everyone who reads her story.
June 30, 2017
What a truly wonderful story about an amazing woman and the incredible difference she is making in Uganda! Sister Rosemary started a girls school in Uganda to serve young women who had been abducted from the Lord's Resistance Army. After these girls escaped from the army (many of them returning with children), they often had no where to go since their most of their families were killed or the girls were rejected by family upon their return to their villages. Sister Rosemary, seeing the needs of these young women, started a school where the girls were taught useful skills, such as sewing and catering, so that they could support themselves and their children.
Within the book is also the author's story of how he turns a significant loss in his life into providing support for Sister Rosemary's work. Whitten helps found Pros for Life, an American based organization that provides funding and assistance for Sister Rosemary's work.
This book is definitely worth reading!
Within the book is also the author's story of how he turns a significant loss in his life into providing support for Sister Rosemary's work. Whitten helps found Pros for Life, an American based organization that provides funding and assistance for Sister Rosemary's work.
This book is definitely worth reading!
May 1, 2023
Sister Rosemary is truly an everyday yet exemplary hero, despite the fact that she would only want to be known as one if it can help accomplish her mission. The story of how she built St. Monica's school for girls from the ground up (and eventually expanded it to two other locations!), all while living in the midst of extreme violence and conflict is nothing short of miraculous. It's clear that she has a heart for her ministry and for the girls and women collectively and individually, and her early dedication to her own learning and calling provided the foundation for all that she has accomplished. I would love to read a memoir by her, as although there is mention of times of fear and doubt here, I think her own personal account would be even more revealing of how she persevered and continually chose to sacrifice and hope.
February 23, 2018
I had the honor and privilege of meeting Sister Rosemary about a year ago. This book recounts the incredible and inspirational story of her life. What an amazing story! What I like most about her is, although she's a nun, her ministry is not about preaching the gospel or converting people......her ministry is simple yet profound. She loves and cares for people, very damaged people who are shunned by their community. That is her ministry and she never asks for money. She has literally changed the lives of hundreds and hundreds of girls and their children. Highly recommend this inspirational story.
November 30, 2017
This is not a literary work of art, but the topic deserves more than five stars. Sister Rosemary is a beacon of hope as well as an inspiration who proves that one person can make a difference. Any version of her story is worthy of the read, watch or listen.
August 18, 2018
This book was so interesting. I didn't know much about Joseph Kony, what an evil man! Sister Rosemary is an amazing person. I admire her so much for the work she is doing with this young women of Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan.
February 9, 2018
Awesome, and a blessing to read!!!
June 10, 2024
great book about the AMAZING sister rosemary!
Read
April 2, 2025Eye opening and inspirational.
August 31, 2025
This was an eye opening book on the realities of the Lord Resistance Army. Amazing story of hope and courage.
May 23, 2023
This seems like a self published book. These are not the same Sacred Heart sisters as Madeline Sophie and Duchesne. But she is very impressive. I gave it an extra star just for the topic.
May 28, 2014
I first saw Sister Rosemary on the Colbert Show and knew I had to read her book. She held her own with one of the most difficult journalists in the business. She had the audience in stitches as she left Colbert basically speechless.
But her charm and sense of humor are not the story. She is an African nun who has devoted her life to saving the lost girls whose lives were ruined by Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army. These girls were raped and tortured and forced to kill family members and friends. Sister Rosemary took these girls and their children in. She taught them to sew and cook, forming catering companies and a tailoring business to keep the home, school and orphanage open. Now she has started an online business making crocheted purses out of pull tabs that they can sell internationally.
The book and the video are not readily available right now. I read it on my Kindle. The video, narrated by Forrest Whitaker, is doing the circuit right now and not in the bay area yet. But the purses are available at http://www.sistersunited.com/our-prod...
But her charm and sense of humor are not the story. She is an African nun who has devoted her life to saving the lost girls whose lives were ruined by Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army. These girls were raped and tortured and forced to kill family members and friends. Sister Rosemary took these girls and their children in. She taught them to sew and cook, forming catering companies and a tailoring business to keep the home, school and orphanage open. Now she has started an online business making crocheted purses out of pull tabs that they can sell internationally.
The book and the video are not readily available right now. I read it on my Kindle. The video, narrated by Forrest Whitaker, is doing the circuit right now and not in the bay area yet. But the purses are available at http://www.sistersunited.com/our-prod...
January 25, 2014
I am in the midst of reading the Kindle version of "Sewing Hope". I am so impressed by the clarity of the story told. Reggie Whitten has shared Sister Rosemary's plight to bring up the awareness of the atrocities against 'children' in Uganda, Atiak and The Sudan.
Sister Rosemary is the 'Sister Teresa' of this era in time. I am so humbled by what she has done. I am so thankful to GOD that Sister Rosemary loved the children more than she did her life.
I highly recommend this e-book. Can't wait til the hard cover book is out to purchase as well. I hope to get it autographed by Sister Rosemary and Mr. Whitten
Sister Rosemary is the 'Sister Teresa' of this era in time. I am so humbled by what she has done. I am so thankful to GOD that Sister Rosemary loved the children more than she did her life.
I highly recommend this e-book. Can't wait til the hard cover book is out to purchase as well. I hope to get it autographed by Sister Rosemary and Mr. Whitten
January 13, 2016
This is such a heroic woman! What she has done for the victims of Joseph Kony'a LRA group is nothing less than miraculous! She always moved forward with courage and complete trust in God''s providence. While the atrocities committed by Kony and his thugs are truly incomprensible, the resilience of the poor victims is humbling and inspiring. It is heartbreaking to read about the sufferings inflicted on these poor innocent children. How wonderful that Sister Rosemary has said yes to God's call to use her as His instrument of healing.
June 27, 2014
The story of Sr. Rosemary is a pretty incredible one and I saw her on the interview circuit a couple of months ago. She captured my attention, but the book was written by the man who started the foundation to benefit her work. Very admirable, but the book was clearly written from that perspective and I think the tale could have been told in a more compelling way. I did end up logging onto the website for Sr. Rosemary's organization and ordering one of the bags made by one of her girls. :)
June 10, 2014
I loved this book....not necessarily the writing, but definitely the content. Sister Rosemary is truly an inspiration in her selflessness, her vision to create opportunities, her bravery, her strength, her gentle spirit, and her ability to help people (especially the ladies of Sister Monica's) to become their best selves.
June 8, 2014
This book touched my heart. Sister Rosemary is an incredible woman in every way. My heart ached for the girls she worked with - I could hardly believe that people could live through what they lived through. The juxtaposition of the evil of Joseph Kony and his army and the good works of Sister Rosemary and her "army" is striking.
July 31, 2014
This is a must read book. It is about the healing power of love and service. This book teaches about unthinkable horrors that happened recently in Uganda and South Sudan yet the messages in the book and examples of courage leave you with hope and a desire to serve. Wow.
August 25, 2014
This is a five-star story with 3.5-star writing. An incredible story of one woman making a difference in the world. Inspiring and beautiful and current. And the writing isn't bad, it just isn't awesome either.
August 29, 2014
A compelling story and a quick read, but the writing is on approximately a 3rd grade reading level, even though the subject matter is heavy. I'm glad the proceeds from this book go to St. Monica because otherwise, I would have felt that I had wasted my money on a book that isn't great.
May 18, 2014
Fantastic. Inspiring. She will be canonized a saint!!!
July 30, 2014
I want every woman in my life to read this book. Such an amazing woman!
April 21, 2015
An incredible story of a brave nun showing God's love in the midst of unspeakable violence and tragedy in Uganda. An Okie myself, I enjoyed all the Oklahoma ties in the book.
May 11, 2021
Super inspiring!!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews