This memoir has been on my TBR for a while, and I’m so glad I got to read it earlier this month during a buddy read with @inked.in.pages.

Clemantine shares her story of surviving the Rwandan genocide and spending 6 years traveling through several countries until she reaches America. Clemantine’s sister, Claire, took care of her during those 6 years and once they reached America.

One thing I noticed was how different Clemantine and Claire’s responses were to the trauma they suffered. It caused friction and tension between the sisters at times, but they were each doing whatever possible to survive.

Also, another thing that stood out to me is how the book switched between past (in Africa) and present (in America). Ive read several books on similar topics, and the book usually ends when the person arrives in America. Clemantine spent much of the story walking the reader through how she processed her trauma after she left Africa—even several years after. She definitely didn’t have to, but it was very eye-opening to read.

If you’re a memoir reader, then I highly recommend this one!

CW: genocide, trauma, PTSD, death, murder, poverty, infidelity, family separation