Rwanda

[Cara]

This book didn't place it's focus on the horrific events of Rwanda's past but rather on the daily joys and dramas of everyday life - as viewed through the eyes of a local baker Angel Tungaraza. Through her eyes, the readers could witness the issues affecting people's daily lives. The book described the mixed community of expats, volunteers, immigrants and native Rwandans. I enjoyed the discovery of many new characters and how they fit into this society. There were moments when the impact of AIDS, genital mutilation and genocide was explored within the characters stories. It was through their eyes that nuanced feelings about these complex issues was explained to the reader.

The characters that I keep thinking about are Captain Calixte, Jeanne d'Arc and Francoise. They endured unimaginable loss and desperate circumstances. Despite their past, used their own strategies to find the best solution for how to make the best of their future - for them or their families. The strength and terror I felt from their stories is hard to forget.