We Survived Genocide in Rwanda

by Kigali Memorial Center/Wendy Whitworth

Genres: Nonfiction, Rwanda

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Keren]

The very first line of the foreword says "This is not an easy read" and it wasn't. We bought it at the Kigali Genocide Memorial last December and I read it slowly over several months, needing time to process what each survivor went through.

2020 has been challenging and I have found myself wanting to read lighter, happier books to keep me feeling positive. But actually, it was when reading this book, that I found myself feeling the most gratitude for everything that I have.

The stories of these people will stay with me for a long, long time.

[Bella Nesbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Rwanda read, this book was hella depressing and really highlighted the brutality of humanity and the dangers of unchecked xenophobia. It is hard to conceptualize that the people interviewed in this book are currently alive as are the perpetrators

[Emma De Smet · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me five years to work up the courage to read this book after buying it at the Kigali Memorial Centre. Heartbreaking read with stories that must be told to ensure something this horrible doesn't happen again.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this at the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda. Took a few months of picking it up and putting it down to finally finish it, but that's only because it's so difficult to digest. In fact, there were points where I dreaded picking it up and just wanted it over with. It's gruelling. It's horrific. It's terrorizing. It's unimaginable. But it's essential reading for anyone who wants to understand what happened in 1994. I don't think there's anything more important than survivor testimony when seeking to educate yourself on genocide.

[Florence Venne]

I bought this book in a thrift shop in Cape Town. I read it on my way back home and it took me a while to finish it as it definitely is a challenging read... However, it is worth reading to learn about this tragic time in history (rather recent... ) I would recommend reading a few stories each day, but reading it all at once could be really heavy, as those are testimonies uncensored (that obviously deserve to be read as they are, in all their wickedness and authenticity).

[Cecile Kerubo · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This book is not an easy read.But there are times when we should listen to the hard truth because it forms the start of understanding”
It was difficult to visit the genocide memorial any yes I 😭😭😭 the human heart is capable of deep hatred but also deep love

[Ian Hefele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bought this in Kigali at the memorial. Well worth the read. I was struck by the shear optimism of all the people in the book. Can we finally really mean never again?

[Daria Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heartbreaking and so powerful. Statistics on the Rwandan genocide do no justice to the people and the stories that this book brings to life.

[Saxarla Farah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can’t wait to read it 🥰

[Danielle Hannemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

[Barye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very important book to read. Still haunts me. I will be going back to Rwanda.

[Barye Bluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial and bought this book. It is a really important expience and an inspiring and tragic book. I pray daily for peace to finally rule the world. Love wins.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow. This book spun me into an utter depression. I wanted to read it quickly so that it would be over, but if I read too much at once it gave me bad dreams and made me sad. I can't believe that something like this could have happened. The genocide was so horrible, people were so incredibly cruel. This book is gut wrenching, but it was worth the effort. People need to learn about these things so that we can try to make a difference in this world when history tries to repeat itself.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. Terrifying that this could happen, but a story that had to be told. I was inspired by the strength and resolve of the survivors.