Review of Strength of an African Woman

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Strength of an African Woman" by Michael C. Tredway.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Title: Strength of an African Woman
Author: Michael C Tredway

The strength of African women is well-known and unenviable. When we hear about civil wars and troubles in Africa, it always seems to be the women who suffer the most. Michael Tredway's story is about such a woman, Sarah. We read of her hardships, hunger, abuse, and anguish.

Sarah was born in war-torn Ethiopia in 1985, one of eight children. Although her parents are fair, she is often beaten when her strong and independent personality gets her into trouble. A young lady finds it challenging to be heard in this traditional background. She has to help her father, Isaac, earn money to make ends meet, and because of this, she does not enter the country's compulsory conscription.

The authorities threaten to catch up with her, so she flees across the country. If she is caught, she will be punished. This part of the book is fraught with danger and hardship, and we cross our fingers for Sarah. Events in her young life spiral, and she finds love, motherhood and travel.

Throughout this, she is a devout Christian; parts of the Bible are included in most chapters. Her faith spurs her on. I wonder how many other women in that part of the world who lack her stoicism cope with the hardships of being female in this male-dominated country.

The editing was perfect, and I saw no mistakes. I loved the paintings depicting women at the beginning and the occasional picture during the read; they were helpful as they provided some reference.

I will award this book with five out of five stars, as I enjoyed it. The prose drew me in; it was not overly descriptive and concentrated on what happened, and I eagerly turned the pages. This would be an excellent novel for young teenagers to look at in the classroom, with the teacher's supervision, as they will benefit from it. It is not overly long, action-packed and easy to read.

******
Strength of an African Woman
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon