Reviews
The story, as a whole, is of an interesting subject and has realistic details of children’s life during the chaotic period of the RUF hitting Sierra Leone. The book is not riveting, by means of details and words, but is simple and blunt as the author tells his childhood and all of his history in the war-ridden country. In that sense, it is not boring at all and has an outstanding amount of history and realism to grab the reader back to reality.
Some might argue, with this simplistic writing style, that the book is rather monotone and unworthy of such a high rating. But there was a purpose for that choice of writing. Not to hide the reality by flouncing details and pretty words, the author tells it how it is, right from the full days of rapping with his friends, to slitting a rebel’s throat in the army. If one truly takes the time to deeply read into the actions happening all around or by the main character, they would realize the emotional disruption that hit the main character’s mind and changed him throughout the entire story. It is truly an amazing story that fits its counterpart, the selected words to make sure the audience understands all this happened.
The story is also chock-full of historical accuracies and information that fascinate readers. Most of the audience would have no idea what would be happening during this time (1980s-1990s) and therefore would not be able to evaluate the significance of intruding forces other than just more killing and slaughter. Here, the author brings in the facts of who the invading force is, what villages he had stayed in and how they were during the time of the war, and what a blow it was for the citizens when part of the government and the rebels formed a pact. There are specific dates: “I left on October 31, 1997” (Beah 208), “It was May 25, 1997” (Beah 202). on when he left his family to go to New York or when that horrid day of the RUF rising and invading into Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. There are also small things like gun types (AK-47, G3. RPG) that are specified and how other children like him would be affected by the sudden changes and massacres.
All in all, this is an excellently executed story that has the historical accuracy and predicaments to back it up. The story is worthy of praise and one should read it very soon.
-Gina Park
Some might argue, with this simplistic writing style, that the book is rather monotone and unworthy of such a high rating. But there was a purpose for that choice of writing. Not to hide the reality by flouncing details and pretty words, the author tells it how it is, right from the full days of rapping with his friends, to slitting a rebel’s throat in the army. If one truly takes the time to deeply read into the actions happening all around or by the main character, they would realize the emotional disruption that hit the main character’s mind and changed him throughout the entire story. It is truly an amazing story that fits its counterpart, the selected words to make sure the audience understands all this happened.
The story is also chock-full of historical accuracies and information that fascinate readers. Most of the audience would have no idea what would be happening during this time (1980s-1990s) and therefore would not be able to evaluate the significance of intruding forces other than just more killing and slaughter. Here, the author brings in the facts of who the invading force is, what villages he had stayed in and how they were during the time of the war, and what a blow it was for the citizens when part of the government and the rebels formed a pact. There are specific dates: “I left on October 31, 1997” (Beah 208), “It was May 25, 1997” (Beah 202). on when he left his family to go to New York or when that horrid day of the RUF rising and invading into Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. There are also small things like gun types (AK-47, G3. RPG) that are specified and how other children like him would be affected by the sudden changes and massacres.
All in all, this is an excellently executed story that has the historical accuracy and predicaments to back it up. The story is worthy of praise and one should read it very soon.
-Gina Park
This novel was a very inspiring book for many young children. Due to the details and imagery that the author provides in the novel is really eye catching. Although I think that many children would not be able to relate to this novel, they can get the courage to not give up and continue going on. A lot of children out there believe that their life is not worth too much and are not pleased with their own lives. However, the lifestyle situation in the novel is very intense and difficult, leading more students to think that their life is much better. I believe that this novel can change their mind set by encouraging and comparing the differences of a life as a soldier and their lives. This way, they will know how some kids their age has to go through and be thankful of their lives. Overall, this novel was a great pleasure to read!
-Christine Seo
-Christine Seo
This novel gives one of the best war time experiences a text can offer. The transition between a civilian life into a life of a child soldier is very realistic and detailed. The process of Ishmael becoming more mature is very interesting. In the beginning of novel, Ishmael is a ordinary young man who likes to sing and dance along American hip hop music. But since his town was invaded by the RUF, the personality of Ishmael drastically changes. Throughout the story, Ishmael faces many other controversies such as the story continues. These controversies shape the character of Ishmael throughout the story. Conclusively, the way that the novel “A long way gone” depicted the author’s experience is one of the most descriptive and realistic of all novels.
-Jae Choi
-Jae Choi