Review of Strength of an African Woman
-
Robert Atunda
- Book of the Month Participant
- Posts: 60
- Joined: 05 May 2024, 13:20
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 45
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-robert-atunda.html
- Latest Review: Play Golf Better Faster: The Classic Guide to Optimizing Your Performance and Building Your Best Fast by Kalliope Barlis
Review of Strength of an African Woman
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strength of an African Woman" by Michael C. Tredway.]
“Strength of an African Woman” by Michael C. Tredway is an extraordinary tale of resilience, faith, and the indomitable spirit of African women. The book chronicles the harrowing and inspiring journey of Sarah, a young woman from Eritrea, as she navigates through the turmoil of war, personal loss, and the struggle for freedom.
The narrative begins by setting the stage in northern Ethiopia, where Sarah is born into a family deeply affected by the Eritrean War of Independence. Her childhood is marred by violence and loss, with her father suffering severe torture and her brothers perishing in the conflict. Despite these adversities, Sarah’s family places a high value on education, instilling in her a sense of hope and determination.
As the story progresses, Sarah faces the threat of military conscription, leading her family to arrange a temporary marriage to avoid service. However, as government investigators close in, she decides to flee, embarking on a perilous journey to Ethiopia. This journey is fraught with danger, including betrayal, capture, and brutal torture. Yet, Sarah’s faith remains unshaken, providing her with the strength to endure and escape.
One of the most poignant sections of the book details Sarah’s escape across a river, aided by her discovery of a cabbage tree, whose leaves and flowers sustain her. Her journey through the desert is a testament to her resilience and the power of faith. She eventually reaches the Ethiopian town of Hiret, where she begins to rebuild her life, working for a market vendor and finding solace in a supportive community.
Sarah’s journey continues to the larger city of Axum, where she finds work as a housekeeper for a kind couple, Isaias and Esther. Here, she meets their son, Daniel, and their relationship blossoms. Daniel’s love and support become pivotal as Sarah navigates the legal complexities of securing refugee status in Ethiopia.
The book’s themes are deeply rooted in the strength of the human spirit, the power of faith, and the importance of community. Sarah’s unwavering belief in God provides her with the courage to face unimaginable hardships, while the kindness of strangers and the bonds she forms along the way underscore the significance of human connection.
Positive Aspects
Inspiring Narrative: The book excels in portraying an uplifting story of courage and resilience. Sarah’s journey is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.
Faith and Spirituality: Sarah’s unwavering faith is a central theme, illustrating how spirituality can provide strength and solace in the darkest times.
Cultural Insights: The book offers rich insights into Eritrean and Ethiopian cultures, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the socio-political context.
Character Development: The characters, particularly Sarah, are well-developed and relatable. The author effectively captures their emotions and growth throughout the story.
Social Commentary: The narrative sheds light on important issues such as gender inequality, the impacts of war, and the plight of refugees, encouraging readers to reflect on these critical topics.
Negative Aspects
Pacing Issues: At times, the pacing can feel uneven. Some sections may seem rushed, while others are overly detailed, affecting the narrative’s flow.
Complexity of Bureaucracy: The detailed portrayal of the legal process for obtaining refugee status, though necessary, may be tedious for some readers.
Emotional Intensity: The book’s emotional intensity can be overwhelming, particularly for readers sensitive to themes of trauma and suffering.
Length: The detailed narrative might be perceived as long, requiring a significant time commitment from readers.
I would rate “Strength of an African Woman” 5 out of 5 stars. The book’s strengths lie in its powerful storytelling, deep cultural insights, and the inspiring portrayal of faith and resilience. While the pacing and detailed bureaucracy sections could be improved, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the narrative.
This book is highly recommended for readers seeking inspiration, those interested in faith-based narratives, students and educators studying African history and social justice, human rights advocates, and general readers who enjoy biographical stories of personal triumph.
“Strength of an African Woman” is more than just a story; it is a profound reflection on the power of faith, the importance of community, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Sarah’s journey, marked by courage and determination, is a narrative that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact on its readers. This is exceptionally well-edited
******
Strength of an African Woman
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
“Strength of an African Woman” by Michael C. Tredway is an extraordinary tale of resilience, faith, and the indomitable spirit of African women. The book chronicles the harrowing and inspiring journey of Sarah, a young woman from Eritrea, as she navigates through the turmoil of war, personal loss, and the struggle for freedom.
The narrative begins by setting the stage in northern Ethiopia, where Sarah is born into a family deeply affected by the Eritrean War of Independence. Her childhood is marred by violence and loss, with her father suffering severe torture and her brothers perishing in the conflict. Despite these adversities, Sarah’s family places a high value on education, instilling in her a sense of hope and determination.
As the story progresses, Sarah faces the threat of military conscription, leading her family to arrange a temporary marriage to avoid service. However, as government investigators close in, she decides to flee, embarking on a perilous journey to Ethiopia. This journey is fraught with danger, including betrayal, capture, and brutal torture. Yet, Sarah’s faith remains unshaken, providing her with the strength to endure and escape.
One of the most poignant sections of the book details Sarah’s escape across a river, aided by her discovery of a cabbage tree, whose leaves and flowers sustain her. Her journey through the desert is a testament to her resilience and the power of faith. She eventually reaches the Ethiopian town of Hiret, where she begins to rebuild her life, working for a market vendor and finding solace in a supportive community.
Sarah’s journey continues to the larger city of Axum, where she finds work as a housekeeper for a kind couple, Isaias and Esther. Here, she meets their son, Daniel, and their relationship blossoms. Daniel’s love and support become pivotal as Sarah navigates the legal complexities of securing refugee status in Ethiopia.
The book’s themes are deeply rooted in the strength of the human spirit, the power of faith, and the importance of community. Sarah’s unwavering belief in God provides her with the courage to face unimaginable hardships, while the kindness of strangers and the bonds she forms along the way underscore the significance of human connection.
Positive Aspects
Inspiring Narrative: The book excels in portraying an uplifting story of courage and resilience. Sarah’s journey is a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity.
Faith and Spirituality: Sarah’s unwavering faith is a central theme, illustrating how spirituality can provide strength and solace in the darkest times.
Cultural Insights: The book offers rich insights into Eritrean and Ethiopian cultures, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the socio-political context.
Character Development: The characters, particularly Sarah, are well-developed and relatable. The author effectively captures their emotions and growth throughout the story.
Social Commentary: The narrative sheds light on important issues such as gender inequality, the impacts of war, and the plight of refugees, encouraging readers to reflect on these critical topics.
Negative Aspects
Pacing Issues: At times, the pacing can feel uneven. Some sections may seem rushed, while others are overly detailed, affecting the narrative’s flow.
Complexity of Bureaucracy: The detailed portrayal of the legal process for obtaining refugee status, though necessary, may be tedious for some readers.
Emotional Intensity: The book’s emotional intensity can be overwhelming, particularly for readers sensitive to themes of trauma and suffering.
Length: The detailed narrative might be perceived as long, requiring a significant time commitment from readers.
I would rate “Strength of an African Woman” 5 out of 5 stars. The book’s strengths lie in its powerful storytelling, deep cultural insights, and the inspiring portrayal of faith and resilience. While the pacing and detailed bureaucracy sections could be improved, these minor issues do not significantly detract from the overall impact of the narrative.
This book is highly recommended for readers seeking inspiration, those interested in faith-based narratives, students and educators studying African history and social justice, human rights advocates, and general readers who enjoy biographical stories of personal triumph.
“Strength of an African Woman” is more than just a story; it is a profound reflection on the power of faith, the importance of community, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Sarah’s journey, marked by courage and determination, is a narrative that resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impact on its readers. This is exceptionally well-edited
******
Strength of an African Woman
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
