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Reviewed by Melanie Kennedy for Readers' Favorite
Life and Death in Nyamata: Memoir of a Young Boy in Rwanda’s Darkest Church by Omar Ndizeye is the harrowing but true tale of his ordeal in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. He begins by describing his oftentimes hard, but loving and enjoyable life as a child growing up in Iwacu. He reminisces about his friends and family and how he was looking forward to excelling at school. However, the assassination of the president set in motion the Rwandan genocide, one of the bloodiest events of the late 20th century. As a memoir involving genocide, widely considered to be the epitome of human evil, Omar’s book could easily be a depressing tale. Because he is a survivor, Omar celebrates his life and encourages hope in all of us.
Omar Ndizeye’s tale is one of pure faith in God and of the hope that was so scant as he lost his family and the friends around him. I could only imagine Omar’s fear as they sought refuge in the Nyamata Catholic church – a place many considered safe. I felt sick as the French and Belgian soldiers came and fetched their white priests and nuns, but refused to offer help to the Tutsis fleeing and fighting for their lives. I commend Omar on not hating these people, as so many people easily and rightfully would. Omar’s distressing tale of his escape and struggles to survive are most of all a message of hope. I am glad I read Omar’s account in Life and Death in Nyamata and am grateful he has found the courage and strength to share his experiences and helped himself heal in the process. Omar’s memoir is exceptionally well written and is a story of bravery that the whole world needs to hear.
