On the 23rd of March in 1991, the Revolutionary United Front attacked cities in Eastern Sierra Leone in an attempt to overthrow the government. The next eleven years would be full of gruesome, hellish scenes of violence. Ishmael Beah writes about his story in "A Long Way Gone."
Written down to every immaculate detail, A Long Way Gone is a clear and detailed account of one child soldier that fought during the civil war. Beah is said to have a photographic memory, and this ability comes into play for the entire book. Imagery is the strongest literary device used in the book, and puts you right into the scene. From his joyful childhood to the frightening brutal scenes of war and being part of it, A Long Way Gone is easy to understand and clear dialogue.
The text of the book is of a rather easy reading level, but the content of this book may be hard to swallow for the soft-hearted. The gruesome depictions of war in this story contrast from the "romantic" depiction of war in popular media, and by the army to the child soldiers by showing them war movies like Rambo. In interviews, Ishmael said this is what he wanted to show to people.
The story can be described as disturbing, heartbreaking and depressing at times, but at the same time it is also uplifting and encouraging, showing to us how Ishmael finally pulled through it all. I really think this is one of the greatest books I have read in a while, and I hope more people will be aware of the plight faced by child soldiers.
In the end, this book really deserves a 9/10, and is recommended for those in Grade 11. Its reading level may be good enough for younger people, but as noted the scenes of war may not be for everyone.
- Frank Lin
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