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Song of the Nightingale: One Woman's True Story of Faith & Persecution in Eritrea
Song of the Nightingale is the true story of Helen Berhane, held captive for over two years in appalling conditions in her native Eritrea. Her crime? Sharing her faith in Jesus, and refusing, even though horrendously tortured, to deny him.
Helen says, 'I want to give a message to those of you who are Christians and live in the free You must not take your freedom for granted. If I could sing in prison, imagine what you can do for God's glory with your freedom.'
A sobering, painful, heart-rending account of true faith in the face of evil, this book makes for uncomfortable and yet inspirational reading. A real challenge for the church in the West.
Helen says, 'I want to give a message to those of you who are Christians and live in the free You must not take your freedom for granted. If I could sing in prison, imagine what you can do for God's glory with your freedom.'
A sobering, painful, heart-rending account of true faith in the face of evil, this book makes for uncomfortable and yet inspirational reading. A real challenge for the church in the West.
113 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 9, 2012
At the end of last year, a missionary and singer called Helen Berhane came to Brazil for a series of events where she shared her life story and testimony.
I wasn't able to attend any of the events, but I was able to watch an interview that she gave at a TV show. It was brief, but when I heard her saying that she was imprisoned for almost three years in a container (like those shipping containers) and was submitted to harsh beatings and torture for refusing to deny her christian faith, I had to look for more information about her.
So I found about the biographical book that she had written entitled "Song of the Nightingale". So I purchased and started reading reading right away. I couldn't put it down...
As someone who lives in a country where christians enjoy religious freedom, the worst thing I've ever faced were silly jokes about my faith. So, as I read Helen's story, I could hardly believe it.
She was in fact imprisoned for singing and preaching the gospel in Eritrea (her home country), and was tortured and kept in prison because she refused to stop doing it.
It is a story of faith and endurance against the hardest trials. It gave me a better understanding of the sufferings that so many Christians face even today. And it made me much more aware of and grateful for the religious liberty that I enjoy and I've taken for granted.
[I wrote a more detailed review in my personal blog]
I wasn't able to attend any of the events, but I was able to watch an interview that she gave at a TV show. It was brief, but when I heard her saying that she was imprisoned for almost three years in a container (like those shipping containers) and was submitted to harsh beatings and torture for refusing to deny her christian faith, I had to look for more information about her.
So I found about the biographical book that she had written entitled "Song of the Nightingale". So I purchased and started reading reading right away. I couldn't put it down...
As someone who lives in a country where christians enjoy religious freedom, the worst thing I've ever faced were silly jokes about my faith. So, as I read Helen's story, I could hardly believe it.
She was in fact imprisoned for singing and preaching the gospel in Eritrea (her home country), and was tortured and kept in prison because she refused to stop doing it.
It is a story of faith and endurance against the hardest trials. It gave me a better understanding of the sufferings that so many Christians face even today. And it made me much more aware of and grateful for the religious liberty that I enjoy and I've taken for granted.
[I wrote a more detailed review in my personal blog]
January 23, 2016
This is a story that tells of the authors journey of persecution because of her Christian faith in Eritrea. It was harrowing but also it showed how beautiful these girls were when faced with unbearable torture day after day and how they always thought of the welfare of others and not so much of themselves.
March 21, 2016
Wow, it is scary to see (second hand even) what is going on in some other countries, and how it can all stem from a few basic freedoms being taken away.
This is a very intriguing story of a woman who is taken prisoner in Eritrea because of her faith in Jesus. We need more books like this one to give us an idea of what goes on persecution wise in other countries!
Great book.
This is a very intriguing story of a woman who is taken prisoner in Eritrea because of her faith in Jesus. We need more books like this one to give us an idea of what goes on persecution wise in other countries!
Great book.
October 21, 2017
Very simply told account of Helen' Berhane's life being brought up in Eritrea as a Christian, and her arranged marriage, and the cultural shame incurred when she was divorced ( not by her choosing).
Set against the background of war between Eritrea and Ethiopia at the start of this century, Helen Berhane as a gospel preacher and singer, who spoke up against the war, was bound to incur the wrath of the authorities as a far reaching crackdown against the Christian faith began.
Once Helen Berhane was jailed, she carried on singing and preaching. The prison regimes victimise her. A number of chapters depict the systematic and deliberate torture that Helen Berhane experienced in jail. Helen is not afraid to talk about her own fears during this time, and she also mentions how a group of Christian prisoners she got together started bickering amongst themselves. Her faith is incredible and there' something humbling about her lack of bitterness, and her widespread compassion for both her fellow prisoners and guards.
Now living in Denmark with her daughter, Helen Berhane has become a voice in exile for Christians persecuted in Eritrea.
Set against the background of war between Eritrea and Ethiopia at the start of this century, Helen Berhane as a gospel preacher and singer, who spoke up against the war, was bound to incur the wrath of the authorities as a far reaching crackdown against the Christian faith began.
Once Helen Berhane was jailed, she carried on singing and preaching. The prison regimes victimise her. A number of chapters depict the systematic and deliberate torture that Helen Berhane experienced in jail. Helen is not afraid to talk about her own fears during this time, and she also mentions how a group of Christian prisoners she got together started bickering amongst themselves. Her faith is incredible and there' something humbling about her lack of bitterness, and her widespread compassion for both her fellow prisoners and guards.
Now living in Denmark with her daughter, Helen Berhane has become a voice in exile for Christians persecuted in Eritrea.
October 10, 2012
This story is heartbreaking but extremely uplifting to your faith.
September 23, 2019
I read this book with mixed emotions. I was amazed at her commitment and boldness even in the face of death. It made me question my commitment. It's easy to follow God in a place of freedom. The ridicule we may experience does not compare to what others experience. But I saw the faithfulness of God in her life.
August 26, 2025
A raw testimony of a woman who did nothing wrong: she shared the gospel and was imprisoned for it. And by “imprisoned,” I don’t mean in a Western prison with basic rights and comforts, she was held in some of the most horrific places imaginable, including a literal shipping container. She was tortured, nearly to death. Yet she survived, fled her country, and now tells the world what life is like for the persecuted church.
It was easy to read, but maybe a little too easy. If the writing had been slightly stronger, I would have given it 5 stars.
A must-read for every Christian. First, because when our brothers and sisters suffer, we suffer with them. Second, because one day Christians worldwide will face persecution.
It was easy to read, but maybe a little too easy. If the writing had been slightly stronger, I would have given it 5 stars.
A must-read for every Christian. First, because when our brothers and sisters suffer, we suffer with them. Second, because one day Christians worldwide will face persecution.
November 11, 2014
Jemma Regis I recommend this book to every believer and anyone who has suffered persecution and is harbouring unforgiveness. When I read this book, having encountered God in the many ways I expressed in my own book, I was left craving an even deeper and intimate relationship with Him. Helen's strength, courage and resilience to carry on and stand strong in her faith was only possible because of her intimate relationship with God. In order to come through what she did you would have to KNOW God intimately. This book is most defiantly a must read!! At times I had to stop, close my eyes and shake my head in disbelief of what she went through. An amazing testimony, and amazing woman, an amazing God. (less)
11 minutes ago · delete
11 minutes ago · delete
August 25, 2019
Very interesting story of an Eritrean Christian woman who was imprisoned and tortured for preaching, teaching and worshipping Jesus Christ. Imprisoned for over two years in a grim container prison, she refused to deny her faith or to promise not to preach and worship any more. I found it an amazing testimony and an encouragement to me as a Christian who lives in a country with religious freedom (still), to make the most of it, to be open about my faith, and also to pray more for persecuted brothers and sisters elsewhere.
November 26, 2018
Het Lied van de Nachtegaal.
Een mooi boek met een verscheurend verhaal. Over een gelovige vrouw, die gevangen genomen en bijna doodgemarteld wordt dóór haar geloof. Ik vind het knap dat zij nooit heeft toegegeven aan hetgeen anderen van haar wilde, zelfs al zou dat dan haar door betekenen.
Heel interressant om een kijkje te krijgen in religie tussen Eritrea en Ethiopië, en dit de vergelijken met de vrijheden en mogelijkheden van religie hier in Nederland!
Een mooi boek met een verscheurend verhaal. Over een gelovige vrouw, die gevangen genomen en bijna doodgemarteld wordt dóór haar geloof. Ik vind het knap dat zij nooit heeft toegegeven aan hetgeen anderen van haar wilde, zelfs al zou dat dan haar door betekenen.
Heel interressant om een kijkje te krijgen in religie tussen Eritrea en Ethiopië, en dit de vergelijken met de vrijheden en mogelijkheden van religie hier in Nederland!
May 18, 2012
It's hard to read about the persecution of Christians historically, even harder when it is ongoing today. Even so, ignorance is not helpful. This book made me think about my relationship with Christ, and fleshes out the paradox of being victorious in the midst of horrible, torturous circumstances. This is a book that stays with you long after the reading is finished.
November 27, 2016
Difficult read due to the atrocities she faced while in Eritrean prison. The entire time you ache for her to sign the form denouncing her faith while at the same time feeling so proud for her standing up for her beliefs. She continues to defy the unruly authorities and teaches the gospel to everyone she can. A truly remarkable woman and blessing that she shared her story.
January 11, 2012
C'est un beau livre mais il est un peu court.
On a parfois l'impression que l'auteur ne se révèle pas complètement. Mais la force de cette femme ainsi que son courage et sa foi ne manquent pas d'étonner.
Dommage qu'il n'y ait pas plus de détails, mais ça reste tout de même une lecture intéressante.
On a parfois l'impression que l'auteur ne se révèle pas complètement. Mais la force de cette femme ainsi que son courage et sa foi ne manquent pas d'étonner.
Dommage qu'il n'y ait pas plus de détails, mais ça reste tout de même une lecture intéressante.
September 26, 2013
Very hard to read due to the horrible treatment Helen suffered at the hands of her captors in Eritrea. But ultimately a tale of faith and triumph. Important for us to continue to pray and act on behalf of the persecuted church around the world.
August 9, 2011
Wonderful, inspiring story that would have benefited from being a biography, rather than translated autobiography - I think the translation lost a lot of the passion from Helen herself.
December 27, 2011
5/2012 bookclub book
February 4, 2013
A strong woman who endured the night with great courage and grace. Read it.
October 11, 2018
Some pay a very high cost for following Jesus. Thank you Lord for their perseverance and example.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 24, 2020pg xiii Is your faith worth this?
pg 12 I was afraid, but I knew that they could not harm me if God did not will it.
She has done nothing wrong. All she did was to speak about Jesus. That is not a crime.
pg 35 metal shipping containers... I felt the shock run though me. The containers WERE the cells.
pg 37 Christians, like nightingales, could not be prevented from singing even in captivity.... we should praise God in spite of [the fleas], in spite of [the lice], in spite of [the heat]. We should thank God despite our circumstances. So i began to sing with them, and pray, and share the Word of God from memory.
pg 69-70 The guards often said to us, even we are not happy to be here. Even in prison there are all types of people.
Around 10% of Christians in Eritrea are in prison at any one time, but in fact more than 50% of us have been in prison at some time in our lives. It is worse, I think, than the death penalty.
Prison is a living death, and more than that, it is a death of dignity, hopes and dreams.
He was not living, just existing, just as we all were in prison.
I can only say what is inside me; everything that is in my heart must come out of my mouth.
The more you punish me, the stronger I will be. If you keep hammering on a nail's head it just becomes harder to pull out of the wall.
I could not understand how they expected me to stop believing..... people began to ask what was so spacial about this religion that Christians refused to give it up, and they also began to believe. Our suffering became a glory for our faith.
pg 105 a message to those of you who are Christians and live in the free world: you must not take your freedom for granted. Use every opportunity to praise the Lord every day. If i could sing in prison, imagine what you can do for God's glory with your freedom.
to change, to choose love instead of hatred, to spread harmony... learn to be tolerant and loving, to work towards progress and development... to build rather than destroy.
pg 12 I was afraid, but I knew that they could not harm me if God did not will it.
She has done nothing wrong. All she did was to speak about Jesus. That is not a crime.
pg 35 metal shipping containers... I felt the shock run though me. The containers WERE the cells.
pg 37 Christians, like nightingales, could not be prevented from singing even in captivity.... we should praise God in spite of [the fleas], in spite of [the lice], in spite of [the heat]. We should thank God despite our circumstances. So i began to sing with them, and pray, and share the Word of God from memory.
pg 69-70 The guards often said to us, even we are not happy to be here. Even in prison there are all types of people.
Around 10% of Christians in Eritrea are in prison at any one time, but in fact more than 50% of us have been in prison at some time in our lives. It is worse, I think, than the death penalty.
Prison is a living death, and more than that, it is a death of dignity, hopes and dreams.
He was not living, just existing, just as we all were in prison.
I can only say what is inside me; everything that is in my heart must come out of my mouth.
The more you punish me, the stronger I will be. If you keep hammering on a nail's head it just becomes harder to pull out of the wall.
I could not understand how they expected me to stop believing..... people began to ask what was so spacial about this religion that Christians refused to give it up, and they also began to believe. Our suffering became a glory for our faith.
pg 105 a message to those of you who are Christians and live in the free world: you must not take your freedom for granted. Use every opportunity to praise the Lord every day. If i could sing in prison, imagine what you can do for God's glory with your freedom.
to change, to choose love instead of hatred, to spread harmony... learn to be tolerant and loving, to work towards progress and development... to build rather than destroy.
April 8, 2026
Reread.
Bardzo mnie to świadectwo dotknęło. Dużo bardziej niż, gdy czytałam po raz pierwszy.
Jak pierwszy raz przeczytałam tę książkę w lutym 2024 dałam jej 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jednak teraz po ponad roku zrobiłam jej reread i przyznaje, że jest ona wstrząsająca i wiele rzeczy umknęło mi z pamięci od tamtego czasu, gdy czytałam ją pierwszy raz. Dobrze było ją sobie odświeżyć. Niesamowite jest oddanie i wiara Helen Berhane. Była okrutnie torturowana, ledwo uszła z życiem, wielokrotnie namawiano ją by porzuciła wiarę w Jezusa, i zyskała w ten sposób "wolność". Helen się nie wyparła Jezusa i Chwała Bogu, że tak umocnił jej wiarę, dziwię się na ludzki sposób, że ta kobieta dała radę przetrwać to wszystko, co ją spotkało w tym okropnym więzieniu (którym były kontenery) i po tych wszystkich torturach, ale jednocześnie jest to niesamowite świadectwo tego, jak Wielki jest Bóg.
Wersety, które przyszły mi do głowy w związku z tym świadectwem:
Mateusza 10:33
A tego, kto się mnie wyprze przed ludźmi, i ja się wyprę przed moim Ojcem, który jest w niebie.
Mateusza 10:22
I będziecie znienawidzeni przez wszystkich z powodu mego imienia. Lecz kto wytrwa do końca, będzie zbawiony.
Izajasza 53:7
Uciśniony i gnębiony, ale nie otworzył swoich ust. Jak baranek na rzeź prowadzony i jak owca przed tymi, którzy ją strzygą, zamilkł i nie otworzył swoich ust.
Mateusza 10:28
Nie bójcie się tych, którzy zabijają ciało, lecz nie mogą zabić duszy. Bójcie się raczej tego, który może i duszę, i ciało zatracić w piekielnym ogniu.
I ostatni z Psalmu 🥺
Psalmów 23:4
Choćbym nawet chodził doliną cienia śmierci, zła się nie ulęknę, bo ty jesteś ze mną; twoja laska i kij pocieszają mnie.
Modlę się by Bóg dodał nam wiary i umocnił nas w wierze, kiedy przyjdzie nam cierpieć ze względu na Chrystusa. Abyśmy umocnieni i pocieszeni Jego Słowem, wytrwali do końca i nie wyparli się wiary i byli gotowi zawsze oddać życie za Chrystusa. Amen.
Bardzo mnie to świadectwo dotknęło. Dużo bardziej niż, gdy czytałam po raz pierwszy.
Jak pierwszy raz przeczytałam tę książkę w lutym 2024 dałam jej 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jednak teraz po ponad roku zrobiłam jej reread i przyznaje, że jest ona wstrząsająca i wiele rzeczy umknęło mi z pamięci od tamtego czasu, gdy czytałam ją pierwszy raz. Dobrze było ją sobie odświeżyć. Niesamowite jest oddanie i wiara Helen Berhane. Była okrutnie torturowana, ledwo uszła z życiem, wielokrotnie namawiano ją by porzuciła wiarę w Jezusa, i zyskała w ten sposób "wolność". Helen się nie wyparła Jezusa i Chwała Bogu, że tak umocnił jej wiarę, dziwię się na ludzki sposób, że ta kobieta dała radę przetrwać to wszystko, co ją spotkało w tym okropnym więzieniu (którym były kontenery) i po tych wszystkich torturach, ale jednocześnie jest to niesamowite świadectwo tego, jak Wielki jest Bóg.
Wersety, które przyszły mi do głowy w związku z tym świadectwem:
Mateusza 10:33
A tego, kto się mnie wyprze przed ludźmi, i ja się wyprę przed moim Ojcem, który jest w niebie.
Mateusza 10:22
I będziecie znienawidzeni przez wszystkich z powodu mego imienia. Lecz kto wytrwa do końca, będzie zbawiony.
Izajasza 53:7
Uciśniony i gnębiony, ale nie otworzył swoich ust. Jak baranek na rzeź prowadzony i jak owca przed tymi, którzy ją strzygą, zamilkł i nie otworzył swoich ust.
Mateusza 10:28
Nie bójcie się tych, którzy zabijają ciało, lecz nie mogą zabić duszy. Bójcie się raczej tego, który może i duszę, i ciało zatracić w piekielnym ogniu.
I ostatni z Psalmu 🥺
Psalmów 23:4
Choćbym nawet chodził doliną cienia śmierci, zła się nie ulęknę, bo ty jesteś ze mną; twoja laska i kij pocieszają mnie.
Modlę się by Bóg dodał nam wiary i umocnił nas w wierze, kiedy przyjdzie nam cierpieć ze względu na Chrystusa. Abyśmy umocnieni i pocieszeni Jego Słowem, wytrwali do końca i nie wyparli się wiary i byli gotowi zawsze oddać życie za Chrystusa. Amen.
October 28, 2020
An immense read on the appalling persecution of the church in Eitrea. Helen grew up in the years before the independence of the country and followed her parents footsteps in attending church. She became a Christian herself, as well as a gospel singer, with a great desire to share her faith with everyone she knew. Once the country obtained independence the government took a turn for the worse, ruling out certain denominations and then going against the church altogether. Helen was imprisoned several times just for sharing her faith publically and then, after being caught in a house church, was sent away for several years to some of the worst prisons; out in the desert, where your cell was a transport container, which you shared with others at max capacity. She was beaten, humiliated, interrogated numerous times, put into solitary confinement, and underwent worse treatment-yet never stopped sharing her faith, encouraging other prisoners, and containing to sing praises to God. Her story is amazing and I highly recommend this book to any who would want to learn more about what the christians undergo in the persecuted church.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2023
I knew going in that I wouldn’t like this book - but I had a hard time finding a good alternative for my Global Reading Challenge for Eritrea.
The book contains detailed descriptions of the torture, imprisonment, and persecution of Helen, a Christian gospel singer. The human rights violations she describes are harrowing and the conditions she was subjected to inhumane. I don’t want to devalue her experience in any way, but unfortunately the Christian preaching that is heavily present in the book was very off-putting. Of course everyone should be allowed to adhere to whatever faith they want to, as long as they don’t hurt anyone else in the process. It just isn’t the theme for me, so I would normally avoid books like this one. It oddly reminded me of the narrative of Sojourner Truth, where I had a similar complaint.
The book contains detailed descriptions of the torture, imprisonment, and persecution of Helen, a Christian gospel singer. The human rights violations she describes are harrowing and the conditions she was subjected to inhumane. I don’t want to devalue her experience in any way, but unfortunately the Christian preaching that is heavily present in the book was very off-putting. Of course everyone should be allowed to adhere to whatever faith they want to, as long as they don’t hurt anyone else in the process. It just isn’t the theme for me, so I would normally avoid books like this one. It oddly reminded me of the narrative of Sojourner Truth, where I had a similar complaint.
October 20, 2020
Raised in a Bible believing family, Helen knew at age 14 that she wanted to dedicate her life to God’s work. She sang at church gatherings and witnessed to people in the capital of Eritrea where she lived. Her determination to follow God resulted in her being arrested on several occasions and ultimately sent to prison where she stayed for over 2 1/2 years. Regardless of the abuse and torture, she refused to relent.
Eritrea is currently (2020) #6 on the Open Doors list of top countries persecuting Christians. Here is a powerful testimony of a young woman sure of her convictions regardless of the consequences. It made me stop and question my own faith and how I would respond if it was me.
Eritrea is currently (2020) #6 on the Open Doors list of top countries persecuting Christians. Here is a powerful testimony of a young woman sure of her convictions regardless of the consequences. It made me stop and question my own faith and how I would respond if it was me.
December 13, 2023
This is a wonderful true story of the persecution of Christians in the African country of Eritrea. Helen goes through so much in these pages that it's difficult to process this being real. From being persecuted to being beaten and disfigured, she lays it all out for the reader in a clear way. It is so very surreal and shocking to my imagination, considering the fairly leisure life that Christians enjoy in the USA.
I would definitely recommend this book to all Christians, and if you enjoy reading true stories, then this would be great for you too! (probably not a great idea for children without supervision)
I would definitely recommend this book to all Christians, and if you enjoy reading true stories, then this would be great for you too! (probably not a great idea for children without supervision)
January 5, 2020
This is challenging to read as her story is full of suffering, humiliation, degradation and unexplainable cruelty. Why? Her persecutors and torturers wanted her to deny her faith in Jesus Christ. She feels compelled by Jesus’ command to share the good news, so she does. Even in inhumane prisons, she sings joyfully about her God and shares the saving message. Amazing resilience, as she relied on God’s strength. Wow!
January 24, 2024
Truly heartbreaking to see how man's inhumanity to man is still at work in this day and age, being placed in a shipping container beaten and starved all because you are a christian, is both shocking and appalling, that this lady not only managed to survive but to spend her time helping other prisoners reading bible studies and devotions and writing words of encouragement to others and even trying to convert the guards and came out of there still singing praises is remarkable.
December 26, 2020
Een bizar boek om twee redenen: a) de barbaarse daden die er in worden beschreven en b) de gelatenheid waarmee Berhane deze lijkt te ondergaan. Het zal vast vreselijk zijn geweest, maar er wordt met weinig emotie geschreven. Het is hoe dan ook vreselijk dat mensen nog zo worden vervolgd om hun geloof en daarom erg belangrijk dat hier getuigenissen van worden gedaan.
August 13, 2023
Truly an inspiring story that left me strengthened in my faith and encouraged by God's faithfulness throughout even the worst of persecution and trials. I will probably never face what Helen did, but I pray I can pursue God's calling in my own life with even a fraction of the courage and faith Helen had. Highly, highly recommend this book to any Christian!
June 17, 2020
A challenging true story of a very courageous young woman in Eritrea, persecuted for her Christian Faith. You can hear more of her story and hear her sing here https://youtu.be/2W-yO5tOxS0
October 1, 2020
powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness!
an inspiring and chilling account of Helen’s capture and imprinsonment for her faith in Christ! May we heed her words!
an inspiring and chilling account of Helen’s capture and imprinsonment for her faith in Christ! May we heed her words!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews