Review of Strength of an African Woman
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Trizer Khayasi
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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 a powerful narrative that delves deep into the life of Sarah, a woman from Eritrea, whose journey epitomizes resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of African women. The book is both a tribute and an exploration of the cultural and personal struggles faced by women in Africa, making it a compelling read for those interested in inspirational stories and cultural narratives.
The story begins by setting a strong cultural and emotional foundation. Through traditional tales, like that of Isabella who defeats a giant snake, Tredway underscores the hidden yet crucial roles women play in African society. This cultural backdrop enriches Sarah’s personal journey, highlighting her strength and determination amidst adversity.
Born during a time of civil war in Eritrea, Sarah’s early life is marked by violence and displacement. Her father, Isaac, is a revolutionary who teaches her the importance of education and faith, even as their family endures bombings and constant threats. This foundation of faith becomes Sarah’s anchor throughout her tumultuous journey.
As she grows older, Sarah faces the threat of conscription into the Eritrean military. To avoid this fate, her family arranges a temporary marriage to Yonis, allowing her to continue her education. However, the war’s persistent dangers eventually force Sarah to flee Eritrea. Her escape through the desert, filled with hunger, exhaustion, and near-capture, is a testament to her unyielding spirit and reliance on faith.
The book excels in portraying the emotional and spiritual depth of its characters, particularly Sarah. Her faith is a constant source of strength, guiding her through numerous challenges. Whether it’s surviving brutal interrogations and torture after being captured or finding solace in prayer during her darkest moments, Sarah’s spiritual journey is both moving and inspiring.
In Ethiopia, Sarah begins to rebuild her life, finding work and community support. Her relationship with Daniel, a young man she meets, offers a glimpse of hope and normalcy. However, the looming threat of further displacement and the complexities of their relationship add layers of emotional depth to the narrative.
Sarah’s move to Uganda marks a new chapter in her life. She finds work in a refugee camp, making friends and continuing to rely on her faith to navigate the harsh realities of refugee life. Her resilience shines through as she builds a stable life for herself, despite the numerous obstacles she faces.
The narrative also touches on Sarah’s romantic relationships, particularly with Eric. Their relationship, filled with both tender moments and significant challenges, reflects the complexities of love and partnership amidst adversity. The emotional and relational consequences of their actions are explored with sensitivity, adding to the story’s depth.
One of the strengths of “Strength of an African Woman” is the development of Sarah as a character. Her growth from a young girl facing unimaginable hardships to a strong, independent woman and mother is portrayed with great care and authenticity. The reader is taken through her emotional highs and lows, making her journey relatable and impactful.
However, the book does have some pacing issues. At times, the narrative slows down, particularly during detailed descriptions of daily routines. Additionally, while Sarah is well-developed, some secondary characters, such as Eric and his parents, could have benefited from more depth and complexity.
The book handles sensitive topics, including sexual violence and non-consensual encounters, with care. These incidents are described in a way that highlights the trauma and struggle without delving into explicit details. This approach ensures that the narrative remains respectful and focused on the emotional and psychological impact on the characters. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
“Strength of an African Woman” is a deeply moving and inspirational story that highlights the power of faith and resilience. Despite minor pacing issues and the need for more depth in some secondary characters, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The cultural richness, emotional depth, and spiritual journey of the protagonist make it a compelling read.
This book is highly recommended for readers interested in inspirational stories, those who appreciate narratives centered on faith and spirituality, and anyone looking to gain insight into African culture and the strength of its women. It’s particularly resonant for women and mothers, offering a powerful testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of faith. This book is exceptionally well-edited with no grammatical errors or typos.
******
Strength of an African Woman
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
“Strength of an African Woman” by Michael C. Tredway is a powerful narrative that delves deep into the life of Sarah, a woman from Eritrea, whose journey epitomizes resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of African women. The book is both a tribute and an exploration of the cultural and personal struggles faced by women in Africa, making it a compelling read for those interested in inspirational stories and cultural narratives.
The story begins by setting a strong cultural and emotional foundation. Through traditional tales, like that of Isabella who defeats a giant snake, Tredway underscores the hidden yet crucial roles women play in African society. This cultural backdrop enriches Sarah’s personal journey, highlighting her strength and determination amidst adversity.
Born during a time of civil war in Eritrea, Sarah’s early life is marked by violence and displacement. Her father, Isaac, is a revolutionary who teaches her the importance of education and faith, even as their family endures bombings and constant threats. This foundation of faith becomes Sarah’s anchor throughout her tumultuous journey.
As she grows older, Sarah faces the threat of conscription into the Eritrean military. To avoid this fate, her family arranges a temporary marriage to Yonis, allowing her to continue her education. However, the war’s persistent dangers eventually force Sarah to flee Eritrea. Her escape through the desert, filled with hunger, exhaustion, and near-capture, is a testament to her unyielding spirit and reliance on faith.
The book excels in portraying the emotional and spiritual depth of its characters, particularly Sarah. Her faith is a constant source of strength, guiding her through numerous challenges. Whether it’s surviving brutal interrogations and torture after being captured or finding solace in prayer during her darkest moments, Sarah’s spiritual journey is both moving and inspiring.
In Ethiopia, Sarah begins to rebuild her life, finding work and community support. Her relationship with Daniel, a young man she meets, offers a glimpse of hope and normalcy. However, the looming threat of further displacement and the complexities of their relationship add layers of emotional depth to the narrative.
Sarah’s move to Uganda marks a new chapter in her life. She finds work in a refugee camp, making friends and continuing to rely on her faith to navigate the harsh realities of refugee life. Her resilience shines through as she builds a stable life for herself, despite the numerous obstacles she faces.
The narrative also touches on Sarah’s romantic relationships, particularly with Eric. Their relationship, filled with both tender moments and significant challenges, reflects the complexities of love and partnership amidst adversity. The emotional and relational consequences of their actions are explored with sensitivity, adding to the story’s depth.
One of the strengths of “Strength of an African Woman” is the development of Sarah as a character. Her growth from a young girl facing unimaginable hardships to a strong, independent woman and mother is portrayed with great care and authenticity. The reader is taken through her emotional highs and lows, making her journey relatable and impactful.
However, the book does have some pacing issues. At times, the narrative slows down, particularly during detailed descriptions of daily routines. Additionally, while Sarah is well-developed, some secondary characters, such as Eric and his parents, could have benefited from more depth and complexity.
The book handles sensitive topics, including sexual violence and non-consensual encounters, with care. These incidents are described in a way that highlights the trauma and struggle without delving into explicit details. This approach ensures that the narrative remains respectful and focused on the emotional and psychological impact on the characters. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
“Strength of an African Woman” is a deeply moving and inspirational story that highlights the power of faith and resilience. Despite minor pacing issues and the need for more depth in some secondary characters, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The cultural richness, emotional depth, and spiritual journey of the protagonist make it a compelling read.
This book is highly recommended for readers interested in inspirational stories, those who appreciate narratives centered on faith and spirituality, and anyone looking to gain insight into African culture and the strength of its women. It’s particularly resonant for women and mothers, offering a powerful testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of faith. This book is exceptionally well-edited with no grammatical errors or typos.
******
Strength of an African Woman
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Road to Moresco by Mark Jamilkowski
