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A Long Way Gone

A Long Way Gone

Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
Biography & MemoirHistory
Pages
229
Published
2007
Language
English

Synopsis

This memoir recounts the harrowing experiences of Ishmael Beah, who was forced to become a child soldier at age 12 during Sierra Leone's civil war. Fleeing rebel attacks, he endured years of violence and drug use before being rescued by UNICEF. Beah's story is a powerful testament to survival and the long road to recovery after unimaginable trauma.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

SadEmotionalInspiringReflectiveDarkThought-Provoking
Coming of AgeSurvivalRedemption Arc

Genres

Biography & Memoir History Politics & Society Biography Literary Fiction

About the author

I
Ishmael Beah

Ishmael Beah (born 23 November 1980) is a Sierra Leonean author and human rights activist who rose to fame with his acclaimed memoir, A Long Way Gone. His novel Radiance of Tomorrow was published in January 2014. His most recent novel Little Family was published in April 2020 [(Source)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishmael_Beah?oldformat=true "Source").

Frequently asked questions

  • Is A Long Way Gone a true story?

    This book is a memoir, recounting Ishmael Beah's personal experiences as a child soldier during the civil war in Sierra Leone. It is based on his direct recollections and journey.

  • Has A Long Way Gone won any awards?

    A Long Way Gone was nominated for a Quill Award in the Best Debut Author category. It also received recognition from the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) as an Alex Award winner.

  • Is A Long Way Gone taught in schools?

    This memoir is frequently included in high school and college curricula, particularly in courses focusing on world history, literature, and human rights, due to its powerful first-person account of conflict.

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