This review was submitted by one of our talented teen virtual volunteers.
Valentino Achak Deng has memories of his father’s store, his mother’s yellow dress, his brothers and sisters and the village of Marial Bai they call home. When an attack on their village left their homes burned and their people dead, Valentino is caught in the crossfire of the Second Sudanese Civil War. As the government of Sudan fights the rebel group Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), many innocent people flee their homes to seek refuge. Then just a little boy, Valentino traveled thousands of miles to reach safety, from Sudan to Ethiopia to Kenya. His miraculous and shocking journey is presented in this beautifully written and emotionally vibrant book.
There are not enough stories about the tragedies, injustices, and destitute conditions in war torn Sudan during the Civil Wars. Valentino provides us with the starling realities of refugees during this time. From surviving starvation, diseases, wild animals, hostile villages, rivers and deserts, he is one of the few that make it. The stark differences of life in Sudan from the everyday lives of readers is evident, and it will leave an impact on the reader long after they have turned the last page. The fact that this is a true account makes it all the more memorable. This book raises awareness of the situation, and provides readers with an overall increased consciousness of war and conflict. After Valentino arrived in the US through the help of the UN, he established the Valentino Achak Deng Foundation (VAD), which promotes healthcare and education in Sudan.
The writing and detailed memories bring this story to life, and readers can walk right beside Valentino as he travels in the harsh desert and through the darkest nights. I was heartbroken by how many friends he lost during the journey, and impressed with his undying hope and courage, and the generosity of the many people it took to ensure the survival of a few. I think this has been one of the best books I’ve read so far, and without doubt I would recommend it.
Samira, a PCPL Virtual Volunteer
