A House in the Sky: A Memoir

by Amanda Lindhout

“Exquisitely told…A young woman’s harrowing coming-of-age story and an extraordinary narrative of forgiveness and spiritual triumph.” —The New York Times Book Review

Amanda Lindhout’s unforgettable hostage memoir recounts her fifteen-month abduction in Somalia and her extraordinary journey toward hope and redemption in this powerful true story of survival, resilience, and forgiveness.

As a child, Amanda Lindhout escaped a violent household by paging through issues of National Geographic and imagining herself visiting its exotic locales. At the age of nineteen, working as a cocktail waitress, she began saving her tips so she could travel the globe. Aspiring to understand the world and live a significant life, she backpacked through Latin America, Laos, Bangladesh, and India, and emboldened by each adventure, went on to Sudan, Syria, and Pakistan. In war-ridden Afghanistan and Iraq she carved out a fledgling career as a television reporter. And then, in August 2008, she traveled to Somalia—“the most dangerous place on earth.” On her fourth day, she was abducted by a group of masked men along a dusty road.

Held hostage for 460 days, Amanda survives on memory—every lush detail of the world she experienced in her life before captivity—and on strategy, fortitude, and hope. When she is most desperate, she visits a house in the sky, high above the woman kept in chains, in the dark.

Vivid and suspenseful, this gripping survival memoir is “a searingly unsentimental account. Ultimately it is compassion—for her naïve younger self, for her kidnappers—that becomes the key to Lindhout’s survival” (O, The Oprah Magazine).

Genres: Memoir, Somalia

Audible Audio

Published September 10, 2013

About the author

Amanda Lindhout is the founder of the Global Enrichment Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports development, aid, and education initiatives in Somalia and Kenya.

Reviews

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought all the traveling parts were very interesting. When she was taken, it was very inspiring how positive and hopeful she was for so long.
It's hard to rate non fiction like this because she actually experienced these things, and they were awful, and I don't want to downplay the trauma she went through. But it's hard to make captivity interesting to read about when it's mostly the same thing every day. After the escape attempt, I felt less compelled to continue because I knew it was going to be so much worse for them and it's just depressing how fucked up people can be. I also think she has too much compassion for the people that took her. They deserve nothing but the worst life has to offer.
This story also brings out my hate for religion and the atrocities it compels believers to commit. I honestly can't believe she went back to Somalia after that. She is a much better person than I am.

[Lisa Napier Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 My only word is terrifying but she survived.

[Dale B · Rating 5 out of 5]

True story of being held captive as a somali hostage. Highlights a side of terrorism which wasn't well published in western media

[Corinne Wentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Lindholt’s story is one of suffering, torture, and rape, but it was also a story of miraculous resilience. She’s truly an inspiration and listening to her narrate her own story on audio was emotional and moving. I definitely recommend, but check your triggers.

[Erin Spradlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written. Compelling. Makes you thankful for the monotony of your daily life.

[Holly Culig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy fuck. This is a nightmare and how they survived is beyond me. Her optimism is something to learn from and know that it can literally get you through anything 🤯🤯🤯

[Rebecca Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

a slow start but once I was gripped, I couldn't put it down.

[Rocio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of A House in the Sky, and from the very beginning it was gripping, emotional, and unbelievably vivid. The narration is phenomenal—it doesn’t feel like someone reading a book, but like being pulled directly into Amanda’s memories as they unfold.

I still can’t believe this is her true story. The amount of suffering she endured—physically, psychologically, mentally—is almost beyond comprehension. And yet, she survived it. Listening to her recount such brutal moments with such clarity and honesty made the book both heartbreaking and awe-inspiring.

As a Christian, one verse kept echoing in my mind as I listened: “Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). Throughout Amanda’s captivity, her captors could hurt her body and torment her mind, but they could not touch her soul. Her story became a powerful reminder for me that in the Christian life, suffering is something we are called to endure—but what must remain unshaken is our faith, our soul anchored in Christ.

Amanda is not a believer, but her resilience made me reflect deeply on the endurance God calls us to. Her determination not to let her mind be taken—even in the darkest, most dehumanizing conditions—shows an incredible strength of spirit. It reminded me that survival is not only about the body making it through, but about safeguarding the inner part of us that refuses to surrender.

This memoir is harrowing, beautifully written, and unforgettable. The audiobook only elevates it. If you’re drawn to stories of resilience, courage, and the human capacity to endure the unendurable, this is one you won’t forget.

[Kathy Z · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a bit of a tough read. Emotionally, it could be a trigger for those suffering from physical and mental trauma. However, I also found it a story of not losing hope and surviving the most horrible nightmare; when you think there is nothing left in yourself, there is still some light. Amanda LIndhout is very honest and raw in her memoir. One thing for me was that I could have done with none or about half of the first 15 chapters.

[Nicole C Homer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to A House in the Sky on audio, and hearing Amanda Lindhout narrate her own story made it even more powerful. Her journey is harrowing, but her resilience and optimism in the face of unimaginable cruelty and uncertainty are truly inspiring. When I say I could not stop listening, I mean it—I had to know how she gets out! This memoir is emotional, gripping, and beautifully told. Highly recommend!

[shivani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda’s memoir was written/spoken by her so well that it felt like I was watching a movie. I felt every emotion that she described. It’s devastating to know that this is a real life story. This is a heavy read and includes trauma (please check trigger warnings), but it’s told so delicately with honesty and care. It left me feeling heartbroken, reflective, and ultimately moved by her resilience and humanity.

[Benjamin Hurt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know how you put a rating on a book like this. What a crazy story that shows how deeply depraved people are (her captors). I enjoyed it in the sense it was an easy read (listen). But much of it was hard to swallow. There is language throughout. Some topics discussed are for adults only just due to the abuse she faced.

[David Karp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I almost don’t know what to say, other than this painful book is incredibly well written and well voiced. The perspectives are powerful, generous, and hopeful — even in the face of impossible circumstances.

Add this to your list, please.

[Ann]

Wow. A compelling story of a young Canadian journalist held captive in Somalia for 15 months. I am in awe of her hope, positive self talk, bravery, ingenuity, resiliency, perseverance (the list goes on and on) in the face of unimaginable fear.

[Kelly Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea this was based on a true story. The author went into great detail about what happened with her. I only realized it was a true story after I googled her because the writing seemed too good to be made up. If you're ok with real and raw, read this book.

[Joe Arduino · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! powerful. an incredible story of resilience and even forgiveness. could not put it down.

[Lynn Monaco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cautionary tale? Beware where you travel?

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely compelling, gripping memoir about an unthinkable experience of being held captive in Somalia for over a year.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving memoir. So much terror Amanda went through. I truly hope the rest of her life is peaceful and lovely❤️

[Cecelia Brennan Femenella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somalia

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Lindhout shares some of her worst memories in this book but it speaks to her courage and the tenacity of the human spirit and will to live and survive.

[Favi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir about a Canadian gal who traveled to different countries. On her trip to Somalia, she and her male friend get captured by a Somalian group who held them hostage until their families paid a ransom.

[Ali Foito · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving story.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting memoir about the events leading to Amanda's capture and her life as a hostage.

[Michelle S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this memoir. It was an almost unbelievable story of a young Canadian waitress who begins travelling to far flung destinations and gets the confidence to begin styling herself as a freelance journalist/war correspondent. Before long she pushes her luck too far and ends up in Somalia where she and her ex boyfriend get kidnapped and held for ransom for 15 months. Her story is gripping, but brutal. This memoir is really well written and very interesting. I think it will stay with me long after I have finished the book.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Memoir about a Canadian girl who traveled to 45 countries and wanted to be a journalist that was helped captive in Somalia for 15 months. This book made me so nervous. Sad. And hopeful. It’s amazing and powerful
At what your brain/thoughts can get you through. Must read!