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The Boy Who Never Gave Up: A Refugee's Epic Journey to Triumph
In 1994, 16-year-old Emmanuel Taban walked out of war-torn Sudan with nothing and nowhere to go after he had been tortured at the hands of government forces, who falsely accused him of spying for the rebels. When he finally managed to escape, he literally took a wrong turn and, instead of being reunited with his family, ended up in neighbouring Eritrea as a refugee. Over the months that followed, young Emmanuel went on a harrowing journey, often spending weeks on the streets and facing many dangers. Relying on the generosity of strangers, he made the long journey south to South Africa, via Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, travelling mostly by bus and on foot. When he reached Johannesburg, 18 months after fleeing Sudan, he was determined to resume his education. He managed to complete his schooling with the help of Catholic missionaries and entered medical school, qualifying as a doctor, and eventually specialising in pulmonology. Emmanuel's skill and dedication as a physician, and his stubborn refusal to be discouraged by setbacks, led to an important discovery in the treatment of hypoxaemic COVID-19 patients. By never giving up, this son of Sudan has risen above extreme poverty, racism and xenophobia to become a South African legend. This is his story.
248 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2021
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April 28, 2025
وُلدتُ أنا والكاتب في العام ذاته، 1977، غير أنني أجد صعوبة في تصديق أننا ننتمي إلى العصر نفسه.
يسرد الكاتب طفولته في جنوب السودان، حيث لم تكن تتوفر له أبسط مقومات الحياة؛ فقد نشأ في بيئة بائسة، يعصف بها الفقر والحرمان.
لم تكن معاناته حالة فردية تخصه أو أسرته فحسب، بل كانت انعكاسًا لوضع عام خيّم على البلاد التي مزّقتها الحروب الأهلية.
ورغم قتامة المشهد، فقد امتلك من الذكاء والعزيمة ما مكّنه من تحدي الصعاب، فهام في رحلة عجيبة دامت أكثر من عام، متنقلاً بين عدد من الدول الإفريقية وهو لم يتجاوز السابعة عشرة، بحثًا عن فرصة لإتمام تعليمه.
لقد كانت تلك الرحلة بمثابة المفصل الأعجب في حياته، لكن كفاحه لم ينته عند هذا الحد؛ إذ واصل السير في دروبٍ محفوفة بالتمييز والعنصرية.
سعى الكاتب جاهدًا إلى فهم أسباب الانهيار في بلاده، فعزا ذلك تارةً إلى الكسل وغياب إرادة التغيير، وتارةً أخرى إلى أنانية القادة واستشراء الفساد.
لم يقف موقف المتفرج، بل حاول أن يكون فاعلًا في مواجهة هذا الواقع المرير، ولا يزال يسعى في هذا الدرب، مؤمنًا بأن التغيير ممكن.
يسرد الكاتب طفولته في جنوب السودان، حيث لم تكن تتوفر له أبسط مقومات الحياة؛ فقد نشأ في بيئة بائسة، يعصف بها الفقر والحرمان.
لم تكن معاناته حالة فردية تخصه أو أسرته فحسب، بل كانت انعكاسًا لوضع عام خيّم على البلاد التي مزّقتها الحروب الأهلية.
ورغم قتامة المشهد، فقد امتلك من الذكاء والعزيمة ما مكّنه من تحدي الصعاب، فهام في رحلة عجيبة دامت أكثر من عام، متنقلاً بين عدد من الدول الإفريقية وهو لم يتجاوز السابعة عشرة، بحثًا عن فرصة لإتمام تعليمه.
لقد كانت تلك الرحلة بمثابة المفصل الأعجب في حياته، لكن كفاحه لم ينته عند هذا الحد؛ إذ واصل السير في دروبٍ محفوفة بالتمييز والعنصرية.
سعى الكاتب جاهدًا إلى فهم أسباب الانهيار في بلاده، فعزا ذلك تارةً إلى الكسل وغياب إرادة التغيير، وتارةً أخرى إلى أنانية القادة واستشراء الفساد.
لم يقف موقف المتفرج، بل حاول أن يكون فاعلًا في مواجهة هذا الواقع المرير، ولا يزال يسعى في هذا الدرب، مؤمنًا بأن التغيير ممكن.
June 14, 2021
"Africa we are born into hardship; we never learn from it, but rather blame others for our suffering. By doing so we accept the status of permanent victims, with no control over our destiny."
I got this read from the Gauteng library on Libby, it was on hold for like a month🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️ before I was able to borrow it but it was worth the wait. This book was just a fantastic read from beginning to the end, frustrating yes, made me cry yes, heart-toned yes but a happy finish in the end. It's a story of Dr. Emmanuel from when he was growing up in South Sudan, how he ends up being abducted and tortured, how he flees, and the different challenges he faces along the way before finally reaching South Africa and getting help from the catholic church missionaries. What pained me most is how he was such a young boy(sons are dear to my heart, I have 2) when he went through the most including being homeless and staying in the streets but he never lost focus of his dream of being educated despite not having done much of foundational learning in South Sudan.
Lessons learned:
- he realized early how he could never rely on other people to be there for him including his family. Most of his help in this memoir came from strangers and not people who were close to him or his family members.
- don't take a loan to pay a loan or go into debt to pay off another debt
- don't sit around waiting for the system to decide what to do with you, take your fate into your hands by putting yourself out there
- No one has enough money and time to be able to give to everyone who needs it. Respect them if they don't give you any. You ain't entitled to it.
- having a clear vision of what you want to achieve, he refused to accept that there was anything he could not understand if he worked hard enough for it(including doing matric twice so that he would be able to go study medicine)
- His 3 principles of success: passion, determination, and consistency.
Other themes that stood out: History of South Sudan and how it is at the epitome of "the curse of the African continent"(repulsion to progression, entitlement mentality, corruption, poverty, nepotism, politics, and poor leadership), racism in the workplace, hard work pays off: he became a pulmonologist and published on the importance of bronchoscopy in covid pts with severe hypoxia, religion and how its used as a locus of control in the poverty societies of South Sudan.
Whatever the human mind dares to dream it can achieve. Such an uplifting book and highly recommended.
I got this read from the Gauteng library on Libby, it was on hold for like a month🤦🏾♀️🤷🏾♀️ before I was able to borrow it but it was worth the wait. This book was just a fantastic read from beginning to the end, frustrating yes, made me cry yes, heart-toned yes but a happy finish in the end. It's a story of Dr. Emmanuel from when he was growing up in South Sudan, how he ends up being abducted and tortured, how he flees, and the different challenges he faces along the way before finally reaching South Africa and getting help from the catholic church missionaries. What pained me most is how he was such a young boy(sons are dear to my heart, I have 2) when he went through the most including being homeless and staying in the streets but he never lost focus of his dream of being educated despite not having done much of foundational learning in South Sudan.
Lessons learned:
- he realized early how he could never rely on other people to be there for him including his family. Most of his help in this memoir came from strangers and not people who were close to him or his family members.
- don't take a loan to pay a loan or go into debt to pay off another debt
- don't sit around waiting for the system to decide what to do with you, take your fate into your hands by putting yourself out there
- No one has enough money and time to be able to give to everyone who needs it. Respect them if they don't give you any. You ain't entitled to it.
- having a clear vision of what you want to achieve, he refused to accept that there was anything he could not understand if he worked hard enough for it(including doing matric twice so that he would be able to go study medicine)
- His 3 principles of success: passion, determination, and consistency.
Other themes that stood out: History of South Sudan and how it is at the epitome of "the curse of the African continent"(repulsion to progression, entitlement mentality, corruption, poverty, nepotism, politics, and poor leadership), racism in the workplace, hard work pays off: he became a pulmonologist and published on the importance of bronchoscopy in covid pts with severe hypoxia, religion and how its used as a locus of control in the poverty societies of South Sudan.
Whatever the human mind dares to dream it can achieve. Such an uplifting book and highly recommended.
February 10, 2024
أن بإمكان الإنسان تحقيق المعجزات ما تحلى بالإصرار والإيمان
May 1, 2023
When this book landed on my desk in 2021, I held my breath for a moment. In the same week, exactly a year ago, I stood at my mother's deathbed and breathlessly watched as a man stood silently in front of us in a bluish glow. His face was full of love and compassion. The name, Dr. Emmanuel Taban, then only meant to me that he was my mother's pulmonologist. He spoke little, but he wanted to see how his patient was doing, even though he had already prepared us that she had to be kept comfortable until she embarked on her final journey.
Dr. Emmanuel Taban had a long, hard life journey before he appeared in my life in this gentle way, before he became known for his book, "The boy who never gave up". As a young boy, he quenched his hunger with termites and grasshoppers in extreme poverty, but in the rural area near Djoeba in South Sudan, he was free and happy. Later, when his mother had to move to the village as a divorced woman, he encountered judgment, abuse, and rejection. His hunger was now for knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, his creativity and initiative sometimes marked him unfairly as a troublemaker.
He decided to run away in search of an education and a better life. He embarked on the journey with a loaf of bread and a bottle of water, and only in Eritrea did he realize that he had walked more than 250 km in the wrong direction. That alone would have made most people give up, but his faith kept him going, as if God had set up a platform for him to walk fearlessly on, where the dangers had already been removed. Yet he was subjected to interrogations, imprisonment, hunger, and was often the victim of robbery and theft, and gradually realized that he was only relying on himself. However, he never lost his faith in his own abilities, as well as the kindness of people. He received a lot of help and support from mission stations along the way.
His journey south brought him to Johannesburg after 18 months without extra clothes, possessions, or money. "Dignity was a luxury I could not afford." Ironically, it is his dignity that now stands out.
"I might not have known what my ultimate destination would be, but I did know I was on a journey - and that I would never give up hope of reaching a good destination. That thought kept me going, and I could manage without food and without showering most days."
The pure determination and blind perseverance in spite of numerous challenges along the way, with only his background as motivation to escape and rise above it, is absolutely remarkable. At the Comboni Missionaries in Johannesburg, he finally had the opportunity to continue his schooling and study until he could qualify as a medical doctor and later specialize in pulmonology.
"I could keep going because I had nothing left to lose, but everything to gain."
The determination with which he kept trying, kept working, kept studying, is offered without emotion. Co-author Andrew Crofts ensures that his own writer's voice remains in the background and allows Dr. Taban's personality to shine through a factual account of events. There were places where it felt like a repetition of small things, but a skilled writer like Crofts probably did it deliberately to note the facts and form the importance of certain things in the experienced and highly regarded pulmonologist that Dr. Taban is today.
The problems with the cycle of poverty and the social, economic, and political challenges in Africa are integrated into his life story in a way that reflects his deep insight into it, without judgment. He himself never falls into a victim mentality, on the contrary.
“In Africa we are born into hardship; we never learn from it, but rather blame others for our suffering. By doing so we accept the status of permanent victims, with no control over our destiny. We remain forever dependent, despite living on a rich continent.”
He approached his life journey with consciousness, even as a young child. This book tells of a practical implementation of the spiritual vision of awareness of your life path and the challenges within it. Writers like Johannes de Villiers with his book "Blydskap," in which he encourages people to live consciously, describe the theory, but Dr. Taban lives it. He is always aware of the dangers on his life path and his journey to South Africa, his challenges, and setbacks. He believes wholeheartedly that he was not born in South Sudan without a reason and knows that he can make a difference there. He has insight into the traditions and family's behavior. He walks his path without hesitation, he does what he must.
He describes his life principles as "passion, determination, and consistency." This book is a testament to a man who, through horrific circumstances and events, has remained steadfast in his beliefs, continues to passionately pursue his life's work as a pulmonologist with determination and consistency, and can leave a visitor next to a patient's bed breathless.
Dr. Emmanuel Taban had a long, hard life journey before he appeared in my life in this gentle way, before he became known for his book, "The boy who never gave up". As a young boy, he quenched his hunger with termites and grasshoppers in extreme poverty, but in the rural area near Djoeba in South Sudan, he was free and happy. Later, when his mother had to move to the village as a divorced woman, he encountered judgment, abuse, and rejection. His hunger was now for knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, his creativity and initiative sometimes marked him unfairly as a troublemaker.
He decided to run away in search of an education and a better life. He embarked on the journey with a loaf of bread and a bottle of water, and only in Eritrea did he realize that he had walked more than 250 km in the wrong direction. That alone would have made most people give up, but his faith kept him going, as if God had set up a platform for him to walk fearlessly on, where the dangers had already been removed. Yet he was subjected to interrogations, imprisonment, hunger, and was often the victim of robbery and theft, and gradually realized that he was only relying on himself. However, he never lost his faith in his own abilities, as well as the kindness of people. He received a lot of help and support from mission stations along the way.
His journey south brought him to Johannesburg after 18 months without extra clothes, possessions, or money. "Dignity was a luxury I could not afford." Ironically, it is his dignity that now stands out.
"I might not have known what my ultimate destination would be, but I did know I was on a journey - and that I would never give up hope of reaching a good destination. That thought kept me going, and I could manage without food and without showering most days."
The pure determination and blind perseverance in spite of numerous challenges along the way, with only his background as motivation to escape and rise above it, is absolutely remarkable. At the Comboni Missionaries in Johannesburg, he finally had the opportunity to continue his schooling and study until he could qualify as a medical doctor and later specialize in pulmonology.
"I could keep going because I had nothing left to lose, but everything to gain."
The determination with which he kept trying, kept working, kept studying, is offered without emotion. Co-author Andrew Crofts ensures that his own writer's voice remains in the background and allows Dr. Taban's personality to shine through a factual account of events. There were places where it felt like a repetition of small things, but a skilled writer like Crofts probably did it deliberately to note the facts and form the importance of certain things in the experienced and highly regarded pulmonologist that Dr. Taban is today.
The problems with the cycle of poverty and the social, economic, and political challenges in Africa are integrated into his life story in a way that reflects his deep insight into it, without judgment. He himself never falls into a victim mentality, on the contrary.
“In Africa we are born into hardship; we never learn from it, but rather blame others for our suffering. By doing so we accept the status of permanent victims, with no control over our destiny. We remain forever dependent, despite living on a rich continent.”
He approached his life journey with consciousness, even as a young child. This book tells of a practical implementation of the spiritual vision of awareness of your life path and the challenges within it. Writers like Johannes de Villiers with his book "Blydskap," in which he encourages people to live consciously, describe the theory, but Dr. Taban lives it. He is always aware of the dangers on his life path and his journey to South Africa, his challenges, and setbacks. He believes wholeheartedly that he was not born in South Sudan without a reason and knows that he can make a difference there. He has insight into the traditions and family's behavior. He walks his path without hesitation, he does what he must.
He describes his life principles as "passion, determination, and consistency." This book is a testament to a man who, through horrific circumstances and events, has remained steadfast in his beliefs, continues to passionately pursue his life's work as a pulmonologist with determination and consistency, and can leave a visitor next to a patient's bed breathless.
April 5, 2021
It’s been a while since I read a book that left me reeling with anger and sadness; however the uplifting ending was edifying. In this memoir, Dr Emmanuel Taban narrates his harrowing journey from his birthplace, in war torn Juba, South Sudan to South Africa where his destiny is fulfilled. Maybe another title for this book could have been Going South because so many things literally went south.
“In Africa we are born into hardship; we never learn from it, but rather blame others for our suffering. By doing so we accept the status of permanent victims, with no control over our destiny.”
Dr Taban was born in 1977, into the hardness of the mud floor. His parents were divorced and his mother bore the brunt of raising him and his siblings singlehandedly. He goes onto articulate the struggles of single motherhood against a background of poverty, social stigmatization and a violent war. However, Dr Taban, against all odds, strived to carve out a prosperous future for himself against all odds. We follow his trials and tribulations from his abduction in Juba, his flight to Asmara, roaming the streets of Addis Ababa, navigating Nairobi which is where his journey down South ultimately began.
Religion is a theme that runs through his narrative. Religion is also one of the reasons that underpinned the conflict in the Arab led north Sudan and the Christian based South Sudan which fought for a secular and all inclusive government. His mother, Phoebe was a devout Catholic and this same religion is handed down to Dr Taban who continually questions the will of God in his life as he is confronted with one obstacle after another, the interrupted schooling, the unfair arrests, the suffering and strife, unending cruelty and theft, death and destruction.
In his entire journey from the time he leaves home to his final destination in South Africa, Dr Taban questions the presence of God in his life. Ironically, it is the Comboni Missionaries who become instrumental in him fulfilling his destiny. The men of the cloth are the ones who accommodate him on his arrival in Johannesburg and later assist him in completing his education and facilitating his path to attaining his tertiary qualifications. In the end, Dr Taban reconciles his faith and the status quo by pointing out that God did his part by giving Africans countries well resourced countries but we have squandered that legacy. That is on us and we have to take accountability.
This book raised my ire in the realization that Sudan is not poor, it is just badly mismanaged. Africa is well endowed continent with resources yet her people live below the poverty datum line and all because of the bad leadership. Often times, religion is used to anaesthetize the pain and suffering which is often inflicted by inept leadership. How many times do we hear that phrase, “It’s God’s Will” which has now become so clichéd. All too many times religion is used as a crutch of passive acceptance yet the Bible is very explicit in that “faith without works is dead” James 2 verse 26.
“Virtually all our recent politicians have fought and killed to become leaders because they lusted after power and money rather than for altruistic reasons…They have no plans to improve the lives of good, hard working women like my mother, and instead of investing government money in developing the country they slide it into their own pockets and the pockets of those who stand close to them.”
This damning observation is so true of many African countries on the continent. If anything Covid19 has been the biggest indictment on many Governments as the spotlight shifted on the dilapidated health systems which leaders fail to upgrade as they seek treatment abroad. What is more frustrating is that while Africans in the diaspora do try to reinvest back into their own countries plans are often curtailed by the rigid bureaucracy and corruption as seen by Dr Taban’s water bottling project which failed to take off despite the money and manpower that was ploughed into it. I felt Dr Taban’s frustration as he lamented the lack of development from the time he left Juba to the time he returned yet Sudanese leaders are constantly exposed to development in other countries but don’t care enough to do develop their own country.
The book is filled with many profound lessons, namely the power of people and connections. The most illuminating and yet painful lesson is that some members of our families are the least helpful in assisting us in fulfilling our destinies. More often than not they try to frustrate the process. It is often strangers or friends that tend to be more instrumental in supporting us and shaping us into the people we become. As the saying goes” Friends are the family we choose” and Dr Taban forged a whole new family through his connection to Bishop Sandri who became a Father Figure in Dr Taban’s life, filling the gap left by his own father. This was important considering how even his own uncles who could have been father figures side stepped this role.
Another insightful lesson is that money doesn’t fall from the sky as he imagined as a little boy. Money is earned through hard work and Dr Taban’s life is certainly testimony of that which debunks the myths of miracle money often peddled in churches. Dr Taban put in the grueling hours to become the revered Pulmonologist that he is today.
The affirming message in this book is that we are ultimately the authors of our own destiny. We cannot blame our past, our upbringing, our circumstances for who we eventually become because we do have the power to change the narrative. Dr Taban shares with us his 3 principles of success which are passion, determination and consistency and he abides by them.
“In Africa we are born into hardship; we never learn from it, but rather blame others for our suffering. By doing so we accept the status of permanent victims, with no control over our destiny.”
Dr Taban was born in 1977, into the hardness of the mud floor. His parents were divorced and his mother bore the brunt of raising him and his siblings singlehandedly. He goes onto articulate the struggles of single motherhood against a background of poverty, social stigmatization and a violent war. However, Dr Taban, against all odds, strived to carve out a prosperous future for himself against all odds. We follow his trials and tribulations from his abduction in Juba, his flight to Asmara, roaming the streets of Addis Ababa, navigating Nairobi which is where his journey down South ultimately began.
Religion is a theme that runs through his narrative. Religion is also one of the reasons that underpinned the conflict in the Arab led north Sudan and the Christian based South Sudan which fought for a secular and all inclusive government. His mother, Phoebe was a devout Catholic and this same religion is handed down to Dr Taban who continually questions the will of God in his life as he is confronted with one obstacle after another, the interrupted schooling, the unfair arrests, the suffering and strife, unending cruelty and theft, death and destruction.
In his entire journey from the time he leaves home to his final destination in South Africa, Dr Taban questions the presence of God in his life. Ironically, it is the Comboni Missionaries who become instrumental in him fulfilling his destiny. The men of the cloth are the ones who accommodate him on his arrival in Johannesburg and later assist him in completing his education and facilitating his path to attaining his tertiary qualifications. In the end, Dr Taban reconciles his faith and the status quo by pointing out that God did his part by giving Africans countries well resourced countries but we have squandered that legacy. That is on us and we have to take accountability.
This book raised my ire in the realization that Sudan is not poor, it is just badly mismanaged. Africa is well endowed continent with resources yet her people live below the poverty datum line and all because of the bad leadership. Often times, religion is used to anaesthetize the pain and suffering which is often inflicted by inept leadership. How many times do we hear that phrase, “It’s God’s Will” which has now become so clichéd. All too many times religion is used as a crutch of passive acceptance yet the Bible is very explicit in that “faith without works is dead” James 2 verse 26.
“Virtually all our recent politicians have fought and killed to become leaders because they lusted after power and money rather than for altruistic reasons…They have no plans to improve the lives of good, hard working women like my mother, and instead of investing government money in developing the country they slide it into their own pockets and the pockets of those who stand close to them.”
This damning observation is so true of many African countries on the continent. If anything Covid19 has been the biggest indictment on many Governments as the spotlight shifted on the dilapidated health systems which leaders fail to upgrade as they seek treatment abroad. What is more frustrating is that while Africans in the diaspora do try to reinvest back into their own countries plans are often curtailed by the rigid bureaucracy and corruption as seen by Dr Taban’s water bottling project which failed to take off despite the money and manpower that was ploughed into it. I felt Dr Taban’s frustration as he lamented the lack of development from the time he left Juba to the time he returned yet Sudanese leaders are constantly exposed to development in other countries but don’t care enough to do develop their own country.
The book is filled with many profound lessons, namely the power of people and connections. The most illuminating and yet painful lesson is that some members of our families are the least helpful in assisting us in fulfilling our destinies. More often than not they try to frustrate the process. It is often strangers or friends that tend to be more instrumental in supporting us and shaping us into the people we become. As the saying goes” Friends are the family we choose” and Dr Taban forged a whole new family through his connection to Bishop Sandri who became a Father Figure in Dr Taban’s life, filling the gap left by his own father. This was important considering how even his own uncles who could have been father figures side stepped this role.
Another insightful lesson is that money doesn’t fall from the sky as he imagined as a little boy. Money is earned through hard work and Dr Taban’s life is certainly testimony of that which debunks the myths of miracle money often peddled in churches. Dr Taban put in the grueling hours to become the revered Pulmonologist that he is today.
The affirming message in this book is that we are ultimately the authors of our own destiny. We cannot blame our past, our upbringing, our circumstances for who we eventually become because we do have the power to change the narrative. Dr Taban shares with us his 3 principles of success which are passion, determination and consistency and he abides by them.
March 2, 2022
THE BOY WHO NEVER GAVE UP.
BY DR EMMANUEL TABAN, ANDREW CROFTS.
What a man, what a journey, what a book!!! Every once in a while we are privileged to learn about someone living a meaningful and amazing life. Someone remarkable with unimaginable determination, intelligence , tenacity, persistence, wisdom and extraordinary courage. That someone is a man from South Sudan called Emmanuel Taban.
In 1994, 16 year old Emmanuel walked out of war-torn Sudan when government officials falsely accused him of spying for the rebels. With no place to go, Emmanuel takes his readers along with him on his harrowing 18 month journey all the way from his home town in Sudan to South Africa where he is finally able to accomplish his life long dream - to finish his education and eventually be accepted into medical school, becoming one of South Africa’s finest doctors. Taban is a man with a passion for learning, a passion for helping others and someone who can teach each and every one of us to be who we want to be and follow our dreams. ‘Never give up’ is the motto by which Emmanuel lives his life.
An exceptional story not to be missed. (Not yet available on kindle).
BY DR EMMANUEL TABAN, ANDREW CROFTS.
What a man, what a journey, what a book!!! Every once in a while we are privileged to learn about someone living a meaningful and amazing life. Someone remarkable with unimaginable determination, intelligence , tenacity, persistence, wisdom and extraordinary courage. That someone is a man from South Sudan called Emmanuel Taban.
In 1994, 16 year old Emmanuel walked out of war-torn Sudan when government officials falsely accused him of spying for the rebels. With no place to go, Emmanuel takes his readers along with him on his harrowing 18 month journey all the way from his home town in Sudan to South Africa where he is finally able to accomplish his life long dream - to finish his education and eventually be accepted into medical school, becoming one of South Africa’s finest doctors. Taban is a man with a passion for learning, a passion for helping others and someone who can teach each and every one of us to be who we want to be and follow our dreams. ‘Never give up’ is the motto by which Emmanuel lives his life.
An exceptional story not to be missed. (Not yet available on kindle).
November 9, 2021
What a powerful story, Dr Emmanuel Taban I am in awe of your persistence .
December 28, 2024
First off, this isn't a book you read for the writing style. You simply read it for the message it's conveying and trust you me, even if it were narrated by an 8 year old, this story would still haunt you for days. Now I need to also declare that one of the running themes in this book is something I'm quite passionate about and I'm probably writing this review from a point of bias, it's the that of religion and dirt poor Africans.
This Gentleman overcame so much adversity to end up where he is. This is one of those books that make you pause, look at your life and realise how privileged you are, and for me personally, I got the sense that I'm really not pushing hard enough in life. Im not using my full potential, not even close. What a man, what a life, what a story!!
5 well-deservedd stars.
This Gentleman overcame so much adversity to end up where he is. This is one of those books that make you pause, look at your life and realise how privileged you are, and for me personally, I got the sense that I'm really not pushing hard enough in life. Im not using my full potential, not even close. What a man, what a life, what a story!!
5 well-deservedd stars.
May 17, 2025
عارفين اللي شدّني أكتر من القصة نفسها، هو
مرونته النفسية، صبره، عزيمته، وإصراره إنه يوصل لهدفه، رغم كل الصدمات والانكسارات اللي تعرض لها . وده خلاني أتأمل في الجانب النفسي بشكل اعمق 😃 الناس اللي بيذوقوا مرارة العيش القاسي، أحيانًا بيتكوّن عندهم نوع من التحصين النفسي تخليهم يواجهوا الحياة بصلابة و طبعاً مش كل الناس تقدر تعمل كدا، لكن اللي بينجحوا في تخطي الأزمات، بيطلعوا منها أقوى، و أكثر وعي بذواتهم. وإيمانويل كان كده بالضبط. هو نجا من موت وشيك و كمان صنع معنى لحياته، وحقق حلمه وسط ظروف يستحيل على أغلبنا حتى تخيّلها.
قصة مُلهمة 💫
مرونته النفسية، صبره، عزيمته، وإصراره إنه يوصل لهدفه، رغم كل الصدمات والانكسارات اللي تعرض لها . وده خلاني أتأمل في الجانب النفسي بشكل اعمق 😃 الناس اللي بيذوقوا مرارة العيش القاسي، أحيانًا بيتكوّن عندهم نوع من التحصين النفسي تخليهم يواجهوا الحياة بصلابة و طبعاً مش كل الناس تقدر تعمل كدا، لكن اللي بينجحوا في تخطي الأزمات، بيطلعوا منها أقوى، و أكثر وعي بذواتهم. وإيمانويل كان كده بالضبط. هو نجا من موت وشيك و كمان صنع معنى لحياته، وحقق حلمه وسط ظروف يستحيل على أغلبنا حتى تخيّلها.
قصة مُلهمة 💫
May 9, 2025
هذا الكتاب لكل من يعتقد أن حظه قليل من الحياة، أو فعلاً يعيش ظروف قاسية.
لكل من فقد الأمل أو أحس الإحباط أو أقفلت في وجهه الأبواب.
لكل طبيب مكافح ولكل شخص يجتهد في سبيل العلم وتحسين ظروفه المعيشية.
لكل شخص يعيش في بلد مزقته الحروب الأهلية خاصة .
اقرأ الكتاب وفكر مرة أخرى.
اقتنيت الرواية بترشيح من صديقة، واكتشفت أنها عبارة عن مذكرات لطبيب من جنوب السودان (مما زاد حماستي لقرائتها أكثر ).
الكتاب من أول حرف يشدك لقراءة المزيد منه، كنت أضعه من بين يدي بصعوبة للنوم ، كمية المعاناة والأوضاع السيئة التي يقابلها - في نفس الوقت- مثابرة واجتهاد وصبر وتحمل وعدم رضا بالواقع وتحمس لحلم معين، استثنائية وخيالية.
لقد تعلمت الكثير جداً من د تابان، لكن الأهم أنه مهما حصل لك خلال طريقك لا تستسلم أبداً.
لا أريد حرق أي اجزاء من الكتاب حتى أحافظ على انبهارك خلال القراءة حتى آخر صفحة.
هذا ما يمكن بأن يطلق عليه (الكتاب الملهم) لهذه السنة بالنسبة لي ❤️
لكل من فقد الأمل أو أحس الإحباط أو أقفلت في وجهه الأبواب.
لكل طبيب مكافح ولكل شخص يجتهد في سبيل العلم وتحسين ظروفه المعيشية.
لكل شخص يعيش في بلد مزقته الحروب الأهلية خاصة .
اقرأ الكتاب وفكر مرة أخرى.
اقتنيت الرواية بترشيح من صديقة، واكتشفت أنها عبارة عن مذكرات لطبيب من جنوب السودان (مما زاد حماستي لقرائتها أكثر ).
الكتاب من أول حرف يشدك لقراءة المزيد منه، كنت أضعه من بين يدي بصعوبة للنوم ، كمية المعاناة والأوضاع السيئة التي يقابلها - في نفس الوقت- مثابرة واجتهاد وصبر وتحمل وعدم رضا بالواقع وتحمس لحلم معين، استثنائية وخيالية.
لقد تعلمت الكثير جداً من د تابان، لكن الأهم أنه مهما حصل لك خلال طريقك لا تستسلم أبداً.
لا أريد حرق أي اجزاء من الكتاب حتى أحافظ على انبهارك خلال القراءة حتى آخر صفحة.
هذا ما يمكن بأن يطلق عليه (الكتاب الملهم) لهذه السنة بالنسبة لي ❤️
June 4, 2022
What a remarkable story. Inspiring, eye opening and uplifting.
November 30, 2024
Inspiring read of a gifted man.
October 16, 2021
Dr Emmanuel Taban’s story enlightened me on some of Africa’s often untold stories.
This is a story of an upbringing in war ridden South Sudan where the prospects of a great future for the average citizen are minimal. Dr Taban’s story is one of an outlier though. He had to walk his way to Freedom and the fact that he got help along the way gives me some hope in our humanity.
I was very angered by the introduction and I am glad that he used his position of privilege to challenge the ignorance showed by some of those we entrust with power.
Dr Taban does not dwell in his misfortunes, but shares a message of hope through this book. A message I derive is that no matter how hard life gets, do try to use your power and leverage those who are willing to assist to propel yourself forward.
This is a story of an upbringing in war ridden South Sudan where the prospects of a great future for the average citizen are minimal. Dr Taban’s story is one of an outlier though. He had to walk his way to Freedom and the fact that he got help along the way gives me some hope in our humanity.
I was very angered by the introduction and I am glad that he used his position of privilege to challenge the ignorance showed by some of those we entrust with power.
Dr Taban does not dwell in his misfortunes, but shares a message of hope through this book. A message I derive is that no matter how hard life gets, do try to use your power and leverage those who are willing to assist to propel yourself forward.
May 18, 2022
Young Emmanuel is truly the personification of absolute determination! This is the account of his journey from a poor, barely educated child in one of the most war-torn countries in Africa to a internationally celebrated pulmonologist. He details his early life in South Sudan in an almost matter of fact way, despite the fact that he lived through jail, torture, kidnapping, homelessness and war, all before he was 18. His single-minded perseverance in the pursuit of his ultimate goal is clear from the first few pages right to the end. He had and to some extent still has one goal - to educate himself and work hard so that his family does not need to suffer as he did.
This book hit me hard. It is not necessarily a great work of art in terms of the writing but it is so raw and real that I could not put it down once I started reading. I feel especially close to this story as my family moved to South Sudan around the same time that the author arrived in South Africa as a penniless young man. So many of the people, places and experiences he describes are familiar to me personally. It made the story all the more touching.
The only thing about the book that I disliked is the writing style. It is written very blandly, but at the same time the author is so honest in his descriptions of his life that the book doesn't bore at all. All in all, I really loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys true stories, especially the kind that inspire.
This book hit me hard. It is not necessarily a great work of art in terms of the writing but it is so raw and real that I could not put it down once I started reading. I feel especially close to this story as my family moved to South Sudan around the same time that the author arrived in South Africa as a penniless young man. So many of the people, places and experiences he describes are familiar to me personally. It made the story all the more touching.
The only thing about the book that I disliked is the writing style. It is written very blandly, but at the same time the author is so honest in his descriptions of his life that the book doesn't bore at all. All in all, I really loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys true stories, especially the kind that inspire.
May 23, 2021
Wow, what an inspiring man this is!!! We all have so much to learn from his attitude. He just wanted to get an education – that was the most important thing in his life. He seems to bear no grudges and at no time does he come across as a victim. Instead, he has learnt from his experiences and forged ahead in life. He says and I quote from the book “ as Africans, we need to first liberate ourselves from the mentality of victimhood and self-entitlement. I believe this is the reason we remain stuck in the past and so quick to blame our former colonial masters for what happens in our lives. By doing so, we accept that they are superior to us and that they can control our minds and hence our failures. I refuse to submit to this way of thinking.” He repeats this throughout the book. He is truly inspiring and this book is a must-read for everyone. The lessons and insights are invaluable.
May 7, 2021
What an amazing, profound and truly inspiring book! Emmanuel Taban's determination to succeed in the direst of situations is nothing short of awe-inspiring. I particularly liked Taban's 3 principles for success: passion, determination, and consistency. There are so many important lessons to be learned from Dr Taban's story, I highly recommend this read
September 25, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is well written, easy to read, super interesting and gives a really insightful perspective on the problems and solutions in Africa. I really enjoyed learning about South Sudan through Dr Emmanual Taban. He has an incredible story and I love the message of never giving up/ working hard as the only way for people to prosper! I highly recommend this book.
January 19, 2025
What an incredible story! I will be buying multiple copies for the library. A must read.
May 11, 2025
إن شئت اعتبارها رواية ملحمية فهي كذلك، منذ ولادة ايمانويل تابان إلى نهاية الرواية في صراع دائم مع الظروف والحكومة والمتمردين والهوية والتعليم والحياة القاسية البدائية. ولو اعتبرناها سيرة ذاتية فهي اقرب لذلك فنتعرف على جوانب حياته منذ نشأته إلى فترة جائحة كورونا في عام 2019 وهي اغلب واهم فترات حياته.
يطير بنا الكاتب ونعيش معه رحلة كفاح من موطنه الأصلي في جنوب السودان. العيش بطرق بدائية للغاية، محاولة الخروج من دائرة الفقر والمرض وانتشال أهله معه، يقرر ايمانويل أن عليه أن يصبح طبيبا ليغير مصير عائلته بالكامل فتبدأ رحلة قاسية للغاية بعد القاء القبض عليه من الحكومة السودانية باعتباره جاسوسا للمتمردين، ثم استغراق رحلة ما يقرب من خمسة عشر شهرا من السودان إلى إريتريا ثم إثيوبيا وكينيا وموزمبيق إلى جوهانسبرج في جنوب افريقيا.
هل تخيلت أن يمكن لبشر قطع كل آلاف الكيلومترات على الأقدام، ونادرا ما يستقل حافلة أو ما شابه. ناهيك عن الطعام والشراب الذي يحتاج اليهم، إضافة إلى المبيت خصوصا مع اشتداد البرد في الليل. وإن كان السير لا يكلف المال، ماذا عن الحيوانات البرية والزواحف في الطريق. كل هذا ولم ييأس ؟ إطلاقا.
رواية تعلمك الكثير والكثير، فلا نجاح من دون صعوبات، وفي قصتنا لا نجاح من دون مستحيلات، فالطفل الذي قرر أن يصبح طبيبا في بلد بلا أدنى خدمات معيشية وصحية ومجتمعية، فهو بلا شك مجنون رسمي ولا يمكن تصديق أنه قادر على فعلها.
الرواية تعتمد على الأسلوب السردي، بما أن الكاتب يحكي عن حياته بنفسه، قليل من الحوار أو لنقل جملة على لسان أحد الشخصيات بعد سرد طويل نوعا ما، قد يشعر البعض بالملل نوعا لكثرة السرد لكنه مدعم ببعض الصور إضافة إلى وجود خرائط توضح مسار الرحلة الطويلة، ومع ذلك قد يتسرب الملل إلى الكثيرين.
تستحق
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#مُحمَد_رمضان ✍️
يطير بنا الكاتب ونعيش معه رحلة كفاح من موطنه الأصلي في جنوب السودان. العيش بطرق بدائية للغاية، محاولة الخروج من دائرة الفقر والمرض وانتشال أهله معه، يقرر ايمانويل أن عليه أن يصبح طبيبا ليغير مصير عائلته بالكامل فتبدأ رحلة قاسية للغاية بعد القاء القبض عليه من الحكومة السودانية باعتباره جاسوسا للمتمردين، ثم استغراق رحلة ما يقرب من خمسة عشر شهرا من السودان إلى إريتريا ثم إثيوبيا وكينيا وموزمبيق إلى جوهانسبرج في جنوب افريقيا.
هل تخيلت أن يمكن لبشر قطع كل آلاف الكيلومترات على الأقدام، ونادرا ما يستقل حافلة أو ما شابه. ناهيك عن الطعام والشراب الذي يحتاج اليهم، إضافة إلى المبيت خصوصا مع اشتداد البرد في الليل. وإن كان السير لا يكلف المال، ماذا عن الحيوانات البرية والزواحف في الطريق. كل هذا ولم ييأس ؟ إطلاقا.
رواية تعلمك الكثير والكثير، فلا نجاح من دون صعوبات، وفي قصتنا لا نجاح من دون مستحيلات، فالطفل الذي قرر أن يصبح طبيبا في بلد بلا أدنى خدمات معيشية وصحية ومجتمعية، فهو بلا شك مجنون رسمي ولا يمكن تصديق أنه قادر على فعلها.
الرواية تعتمد على الأسلوب السردي، بما أن الكاتب يحكي عن حياته بنفسه، قليل من الحوار أو لنقل جملة على لسان أحد الشخصيات بعد سرد طويل نوعا ما، قد يشعر البعض بالملل نوعا لكثرة السرد لكنه مدعم ببعض الصور إضافة إلى وجود خرائط توضح مسار الرحلة الطويلة، ومع ذلك قد يتسرب الملل إلى الكثيرين.
تستحق
⭐⭐⭐⭐
#مُحمَد_رمضان ✍️
February 28, 2025
* 4.5
إيمانويل تابان طفل جنوب سوداني عاش طفولته في خضم الحرب الأهلية التي دمرت بلده وقتلت العديد من الأبرياء ومنعته من استكمال تعليمه الذي كان لديه شغف كبير له، ومن أجله خاض رحلة طويلة شاقة مليئة بالعقبات والصعاب هربًا من السجن -الذي زُجَّ به إليه وهو لم يتعدَّ السادسة عشرة من عمره- وتطلعًا لمستقبل أفضل بعيدًا عن ويلات الحرب والفقر واضطهاد الأهل والأقارب.
يقص علينا إيمانويل تابان طبيب أمراض الرئة رحلة هروبه من جنوب السودان مرورًا بإريتريا وإثيوبيا حتى وصوله إلى جنوب إفريقيا بعد مشقة كبيرة وصعوبات واجهته طوال الرحلة ودخوله إلى السجن مراتٍ عدة، إلا أنه رغم ذلك يتلقى المساعدة من بعض الأشخاص وتُفتح الأبواب المغلقة أمامه فيتمهد له الطريق قليلًا حتى وصوله إلى مستقره في جنوب إفريقيا.
يعاني كثيرًا في البلد الجديد الذي حطَّ فيه رحاله ولكن لإصراره على استكمال تعليمه وحبه الشديد للدراسة ومساعدة بعض الأشخاص له استطاع اجتياز مراحل الدراسة المختلفة حتى أصبح طبيبًا لأمراض الرئة ساعد في شفاء العديد من مرضى جائحة كورونا الذين كانوا على وشك الموت.
لغة الكتاب سلسة وأحداثه مشوقة والترجمة جيدة فيما عدا بعض الجمل التي لم أستطع فهمها والتي لم تؤثر في سياق الكتاب. استمتعت كثيرًا بقرائته إذ إنني أحب القصص المليئة بالتحديات والصعاب التي يستطيع البطل اجتيازها بإصراره وإرادته القوية ويتمكن من النجاح وتحقيق أحلامه. إذا كنت أنت كذلك من محبي مثل هذه القصص فأنصحك بقراءة هذا الكتاب 💙
إيمانويل تابان طفل جنوب سوداني عاش طفولته في خضم الحرب الأهلية التي دمرت بلده وقتلت العديد من الأبرياء ومنعته من استكمال تعليمه الذي كان لديه شغف كبير له، ومن أجله خاض رحلة طويلة شاقة مليئة بالعقبات والصعاب هربًا من السجن -الذي زُجَّ به إليه وهو لم يتعدَّ السادسة عشرة من عمره- وتطلعًا لمستقبل أفضل بعيدًا عن ويلات الحرب والفقر واضطهاد الأهل والأقارب.
يقص علينا إيمانويل تابان طبيب أمراض الرئة رحلة هروبه من جنوب السودان مرورًا بإريتريا وإثيوبيا حتى وصوله إلى جنوب إفريقيا بعد مشقة كبيرة وصعوبات واجهته طوال الرحلة ودخوله إلى السجن مراتٍ عدة، إلا أنه رغم ذلك يتلقى المساعدة من بعض الأشخاص وتُفتح الأبواب المغلقة أمامه فيتمهد له الطريق قليلًا حتى وصوله إلى مستقره في جنوب إفريقيا.
يعاني كثيرًا في البلد الجديد الذي حطَّ فيه رحاله ولكن لإصراره على استكمال تعليمه وحبه الشديد للدراسة ومساعدة بعض الأشخاص له استطاع اجتياز مراحل الدراسة المختلفة حتى أصبح طبيبًا لأمراض الرئة ساعد في شفاء العديد من مرضى جائحة كورونا الذين كانوا على وشك الموت.
لغة الكتاب سلسة وأحداثه مشوقة والترجمة جيدة فيما عدا بعض الجمل التي لم أستطع فهمها والتي لم تؤثر في سياق الكتاب. استمتعت كثيرًا بقرائته إذ إنني أحب القصص المليئة بالتحديات والصعاب التي يستطيع البطل اجتيازها بإصراره وإرادته القوية ويتمكن من النجاح وتحقيق أحلامه. إذا كنت أنت كذلك من محبي مثل هذه القصص فأنصحك بقراءة هذا الكتاب 💙
May 4, 2022
There are few stories as inspiring as that of Dr Emmanuel Taban. In his book Dr Taban chronicles his extraordinary journey from war-torn Sudan to world-renowned doctor. Despite tremendous adversity, Taban's story is one of passion, determination, and resilience.
Here are 5 lessons I learnt from this book:
1. Adversity can be our best ally. Without the challenges he faced early in life, Taban may never have had the drive to succeed. It was only through overcoming significant obstacles that he was able to discover his true strength and reach his ultimate potential.
2. Our passions can lead us to our destiny. The twin statement to “luck favours hard work”.
3. We must to not be perpetual victims in life, but to break out of the poverty cycle.
4. Sometimes self-reliance and advocating for yourself is the only option.
5. Education can help people and shift the odds even for a whole generation. Even in the most challenging of circumstances, it is possible to make a difference in the world when you are educated.
Bonus: Terrible leadership is ruining African countries that would otherwise be wealthy because they are rich in natural resources, fertile soil, and good climate, like South Sudan.
Here are 5 lessons I learnt from this book:
1. Adversity can be our best ally. Without the challenges he faced early in life, Taban may never have had the drive to succeed. It was only through overcoming significant obstacles that he was able to discover his true strength and reach his ultimate potential.
2. Our passions can lead us to our destiny. The twin statement to “luck favours hard work”.
3. We must to not be perpetual victims in life, but to break out of the poverty cycle.
4. Sometimes self-reliance and advocating for yourself is the only option.
5. Education can help people and shift the odds even for a whole generation. Even in the most challenging of circumstances, it is possible to make a difference in the world when you are educated.
Bonus: Terrible leadership is ruining African countries that would otherwise be wealthy because they are rich in natural resources, fertile soil, and good climate, like South Sudan.
December 27, 2024
أحب كتب السير الذاتية بصورة خاصة أعتقد أن هذا الكتاب إن كان مجرد رواية أو قصة أدبية لشعرت بالملل قليلًا لكنها قصة حقيقية أنا أقرأ وأعلم أن هذه الأحداث قد مر بها شخص حقًا.
لا أتخيل أبدًا أو كذلك هيئ لي أن شخصًا ينام في العراء لأيام وتفوح منه رائحة الطين قد يكون في رحلة البحث عن استكمال تعليمه طلبًا لتحسين حياته وليس مجرد سائل في الطريق.
كم كانت خيالاتنا حالمة عندما تصطدم بالواقع.
هذه المرة الأولى لي لأدب يتعلق بالسودان وحياته وانقساماته وتشريح سبب تأخر الدول وفقرها أعتقد أني صدقت هذا العمل بأكمله لأنه سيرة ذاتية.
أعتقد أنه من الأفضل أن يكون هذا العمل من الأعمال التي ترشح لليافعين لتعطيهم أمل ودفعة وحتى يتعلموا أن المهم سعيهم هناك مدخلات أخرى لكن السعي مهم.
الترجمة رائعة حتى أنني ظننت أن العمل لغته الأساسية العربية لم أكن أعني بفرق الترجمة إلى أن أصبحت دراستي وأعتقد أنني سأبحث عن ترجمات أخرى للمترجم
لا أتخيل أبدًا أو كذلك هيئ لي أن شخصًا ينام في العراء لأيام وتفوح منه رائحة الطين قد يكون في رحلة البحث عن استكمال تعليمه طلبًا لتحسين حياته وليس مجرد سائل في الطريق.
كم كانت خيالاتنا حالمة عندما تصطدم بالواقع.
هذه المرة الأولى لي لأدب يتعلق بالسودان وحياته وانقساماته وتشريح سبب تأخر الدول وفقرها أعتقد أني صدقت هذا العمل بأكمله لأنه سيرة ذاتية.
أعتقد أنه من الأفضل أن يكون هذا العمل من الأعمال التي ترشح لليافعين لتعطيهم أمل ودفعة وحتى يتعلموا أن المهم سعيهم هناك مدخلات أخرى لكن السعي مهم.
الترجمة رائعة حتى أنني ظننت أن العمل لغته الأساسية العربية لم أكن أعني بفرق الترجمة إلى أن أصبحت دراستي وأعتقد أنني سأبحث عن ترجمات أخرى للمترجم
June 11, 2024
الفتى الذي لم يستسلم قط ..
داخل البيوت الطينية البدائية ... وسط الغابات والادغال .. سيرا على الاقدام من جنوب السودان وحتى جوهانسبرج في جنوب القارة الأفريقية... في رحلة استغرقت شهورا كثيرة بدون مال يذكر أو صحبة تعين .. بين ذلك كلة قضيت اجازة العيد والايام التالية مع ( الفتى الذي لم يستسلم قط) وهي سيرة ذاتية لإيمانويل تابان الطبيب الذي كافح ليتلقى تعليمة وسط ظروف سياسية واقتصادية صعبة جدا . رحلة كفاح استغرقت العديد من سنوات عمرة ، واجهه العديد والعديد من الصعوبات من الفقر والسجن والسرقة والضرب ولكنة أمتلك إصرارا عجيبا على النجاح وإكمال مسيرته التعليمية رغم كل شئ.
تمنيت لو كان اوجز في بعض التفاصيل أثناء الكتابة ولكني استحيت من تلك الأمنية لأن حتما كل سطر كتبه كان يحمل الكثير من المرارة والألم .
داخل البيوت الطينية البدائية ... وسط الغابات والادغال .. سيرا على الاقدام من جنوب السودان وحتى جوهانسبرج في جنوب القارة الأفريقية... في رحلة استغرقت شهورا كثيرة بدون مال يذكر أو صحبة تعين .. بين ذلك كلة قضيت اجازة العيد والايام التالية مع ( الفتى الذي لم يستسلم قط) وهي سيرة ذاتية لإيمانويل تابان الطبيب الذي كافح ليتلقى تعليمة وسط ظروف سياسية واقتصادية صعبة جدا . رحلة كفاح استغرقت العديد من سنوات عمرة ، واجهه العديد والعديد من الصعوبات من الفقر والسجن والسرقة والضرب ولكنة أمتلك إصرارا عجيبا على النجاح وإكمال مسيرته التعليمية رغم كل شئ.
تمنيت لو كان اوجز في بعض التفاصيل أثناء الكتابة ولكني استحيت من تلك الأمنية لأن حتما كل سطر كتبه كان يحمل الكثير من المرارة والألم .
October 29, 2024
واحد غبي من السودان طفل بيعمل مشاكل بيتسرق و صاحب المحل مش بيصدقه فبيضطر يستلف عشان يسدد ديونه مبيعرفش فبتشتكيه الست اللي سلفته وصاحب البضاعة اللي اتسرقت فبيقرر يهرب معسكر جيش تابع قوات الدولة المسلمين فييقولو لواحد جعان مش بياكل عنده اخوات من أمه من الزنا وشايف عادي يعيني مامي كانت ضعيفة وحالة بؤس بيدوه ٣ وجبات فبيقول أي المسلمين دول هما طول اليوم بيطلبو من ربنا يغفر لهم ؟؟ فرحان أنه كان في رمضان بيحدف المسلمين بالليمون و بيروح يشتكي أن المسلمين الوحشين حاولو يخلوه مسلم ... بيرمي نفسه في بلاد ميعرفهاش ولغة ميعرفهاش ونهر مش بيعرف يعوم عشان يكمل تعليمه ؟؟ أي الفائدة من نشر كتاب لإنسان متخلف زي ده !
March 9, 2025
Interesting journey of a S. Sudan fleeing conflict to landing in S. Africa and becoming a doctor. He overcame a lot of adversity and never hesitated to ask for help. Living in the USA, I have to admit that I would try to do everything other than call on the church or people that I met briefly to ask for help. He did and I should too. I was not at all surprised that S. Africa still has racial undertones that he ran into and also how just travelling from S. Africa back home to build a company had so many 'bribes', and people lying and cheating, with equipment failures and bad infrastructures...how and when will this change!
January 8, 2024
Keep moving
This is a book that makes you realize that we all have our struggles in life. It is a book that encourages one to push forward no matter what life throws at you. Don't get stuck on challenges and make mistakes but learn from them. Allow yourself to grow. Personally this was also a great book for anyone who dealt with loss during COVID 19. My friend was hospitalized at Midstream and he sadly died there as a result of COVID 19's first wave. It was great reading the challenges the doctors and the hospital faced in these times. Very encouraging read.
This is a book that makes you realize that we all have our struggles in life. It is a book that encourages one to push forward no matter what life throws at you. Don't get stuck on challenges and make mistakes but learn from them. Allow yourself to grow. Personally this was also a great book for anyone who dealt with loss during COVID 19. My friend was hospitalized at Midstream and he sadly died there as a result of COVID 19's first wave. It was great reading the challenges the doctors and the hospital faced in these times. Very encouraging read.
December 4, 2021
To go through that much and still have the desire and passion to persevere is something worth admiring. He's conscious and observant of the many issues facing Africa and that can be seen through his opinions, which I agreed with most but not all the time. I think the world would do with leaders like him. I liked the logic he used to solve the fibrosis problem, it's the kind the world needs to continue innovating towards a better and equal civilization.
December 24, 2021
What an excellent read which tug at my heart strings. I will not forget the journey of Dr Taban or the wise words so often spoken during the course of the book. I was often upset and disappointed in the human spirit of people in general when reading the book but also realize that it built his character. Perseverance and again perseverance. Will remember it for the rest of my life ... brings tears to my eyes.
August 25, 2021
Yes! Yes! Yes! If you ever need a book that will constantly remind you that your background shouldn’t deter you from reaching your dreams, then this is the book! Dr Taban is a remarkable being who met extremely generous people that put him on the map. I felt myself feeling so happy for him that he reached such success at the end. Hope to meet him one day .
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May 24, 2022What an inspirational book! I cannot believe Emmanuel's strength of character and perseverance in overcoming such huge obstacles over and over again, especially as such a young child. I believe that most people would gain from reading this incredible story. I salute you for your incredible achievements! Thank you.
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