War and Hope

The Translator: A Tribesman’s Memoir of Darfur by Daoud Hari

The terrible situations in this book can make it hard to read. Yet it is also somehow warming to the heart. Though this true story of the genocide in Darfur is appalling, Daoud brings hope and freshness by sharing stories about the people, their customs and way of life.

The story begins as Daoud’s village is destroyed by warring factions. We follow him through 2005 as he fights the rebels and the government. As an educated man, his father encourages Daoud to fight the rebels with words instead of guns. We experience near misses, humbling scenes of war and Daoud’s own hopeful insight as he challenges his enemies in his own unique way. Along this journey the reader learns about village life, the countryside and the history of an ancient land. Though tough to read in some spots, the book is well worth the effort.

If you enjoy audio books, the audio book is read by Mirron Willis. The delightful African accent is like listening to Daoud himself tell his story.

To find this book in the Library, go to our website at www.ci.newberg.or.us/library

Reviewed by Denise