Spared: Escaping Genocide in Rwanda and Finding a Home in America

by Clementine M. Msengi EdD

360 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2024

Reviews

[Jasmin Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spared by Dr. Clementine Msengi is nothing short of extraordinary. This memoir is an emotional and spiritual journey through some of the darkest chapters in history, yet it shines as a beacon of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of faith. Dr. Msengi’s remarkable story of surviving the Rwandan genocide, becoming a refugee, and triumphing over unimaginable adversity moved me deeply.

What struck me most was how she beautifully weaves the themes of faith, family, community, forgiveness, and resilience into her narrative. Her unshakable faith, even in the face of such overwhelming circumstances, is truly inspirational. It reminds us that, no matter how broken the world might seem, there is always light when we choose to forgive and lean on one another. Her journey to rebuild her life, not just for herself but for her family and community, is a testimony to the transformative power of love and solidarity.

The lessons in this book go far beyond one woman's survival; they challenge us to reflect on our own lives and find strength in our own struggles. Msengi shows us that even in the darkest times, the human spirit has the capacity to rise, heal, and thrive.

I highly recommend Spared to anyone seeking a compelling, powerful, soul-stirring experience. This is a story of redemption and grace, one that everyone should have the opportunity to read.

For anyone looking for a speaker who can profoundly move audiences, Dr. Msengi’s story and insights are invaluable. Her voice needs to be heard, and I encourage organizations, conferences, and communities to invite her for speaking engagements. Her message is powerful, universal, and will leave an indelible impact on any listener.

If you’re ready to be inspired, motivated, and forever changed, do yourself a favor—buy this book. Spared will remind you of the strength we all carry within us and the beauty of overcoming adversity with grace and purpose.

[Margaret Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I know the author. But the 30th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide is approaching, and I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about it and has plenty of tissues handy.

I made the mistake of reading this before bed, which meant going to bed late because I could. not. put. this. down. And then I couldn’t make sleep happen given the, you know, chilling atrocities and such.

I doubt there are more than a couple pages in which Clementine doesn’t turn to or point to God’s presence in her life -- it’s really admirable. And yet you couldn’t call this toxic positivity; she sure isn’t sugar coating anything. (For a totally different approach about a not-totally-dissimilar experience, I recommend Dina Nayeri’s “The Ungrateful Refugee”.)

[Vicki Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clementine Msengi spoke at my church about her new book Spared and her experiences as a member of the Tutsi ethic group during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Most of her family was killed, but by the grace of God she was able to go into hiding and eventually escape. She continued to give God credit as she struggled through her journey of escaping and acclimating to a culture so different than her own. Anyone who has worked with immigrants would be able to relate to her difficulties. I was so impressed with her ability to forgive her friends and neighbors who turned against her during the genocide.as well as her thankfulness to everyone who helped her along the way.

[Linnea Mennen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent story of survival and triumph over tragedy.

[Porchanee' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will help you understand the plight of an immigrant from war-torn Rwanda who eventually settles in The United States. The author shares how she depended on God to see her through very difficult times. She also shares how coming from another culture can be difficult or unsettling in ways others may not have thought about. It was very enlightening, informative and inspiring.