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Say You're One of Them

384 pages, 2009

fiction

fiction

1382 books
Takeaways
Description
Uwem Akpan's stories about Africa humanize the perils of poverty and violence in a way other writers rarely achieve, and his clarity of vision is so dazzling that it transforms his characters' lives. Akpan's eight-year-old narrator, for example, dreams only of going to school—but his family must eat before he can attend class. When he tries to raise money for school fees, even by letting his twelve-year-old sister work as a prostitute, he fails. In the second Akpan story published in The New Yorker , we see how simple tribal conflict in Rwanda can be transformed into genocide when people engage in the unthinkable: murdering their own children so they will not die.
The Power of Storytelling

Uwem Akpan uses storytelling as a powerful tool to shed light on the harsh realities of life in Africa. He invites us to explore the lives of children who are forced to grow up too fast due to circumstances beyond their control. The book encourages us to look into these stories and understand the world from their perspective.

The Resilience of Children

One of the key takeaways from Say You're One of Them is the resilience of children. Despite the hardships they face, the children in the book find ways to survive and even find moments of joy. This resilience is a testament to the human spirit and a reminder of the strength within us all.

The Impact of Socio-Political Issues

The book allows us to see how socio-political issues like poverty, corruption, and religious conflict can impact the lives of innocent children. It's a call to action for us to research these issues and find ways to make a positive change.

The Importance of Empathy

Akpan's book encourages us to empathize with characters who are vastly different from us. By stepping into their shoes, we can gain a deeper understanding of their struggles and learn to appreciate our own privileges. It's a lesson in empathy that can be applied in our daily lives.

The Reality of Child Trafficking

Say You're One of Them brings to light the grim reality of child trafficking in Africa. It's a heartbreaking issue that needs more attention. The book encourages us to dig deeper into this issue and find ways to help those affected.

Quotes 3

This book is so poignant and powerful, it left me speechless. It's a book that everyone should read.

Oprah WinfreyOprah Winfrey - TV host, Philanthropist

Akpan's voice is so fresh and confident, his vision so stark and unsparing, it's hard to think of a recent book that's more powerful.

Michiko KakutaniMichiko Kakutani - Literary Critic

Uwem Akpan's stories are so raw and so beautiful, they are going to stop many people in their tracks.

Dave EggersDave Eggers - Author, Editor
Oprah WinfreyMichiko KakutaniDave Eggers

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