Left to Tell

I just finished reading Left to Tell, an autobiography by Immaculée Ilibagiza. Immaculée is the only member of her family “left to tell” their horrifying experience in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Her parents and brothers were all slaughtered, simply for being part of the Tutsi tribe. They were only four out of an estimated 500,000 – 1,000,000 killed in about 100 days. Immaculée barely survived through hiding for three months, with seven other women, in a tiny bathroom owned by a pastor, and then through the protection of French soldiers and kind, brave Hutus.

I am ashamed to say that I had never heard of the Rwandan genocide until reading this book. Other people in my writing class also didn’t know about it. I think everyone should read it, especially those in my generation who may not be aware of this terrible holocaust that happened just a couple years before we were born. If nothing else, it will teach you about this important historical event through the eyes of a victim. Immaculée’s strength, determination, and faith will also astound you as she describes discovering God amidst the unspeakable pain and violence around her. It is miraculous that she survived. I believe her words were meant to be heard.