A Long Way Gone. Book Summary

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Ishmael Beah

What’s inside

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier is the autobiographical narrative of Ishmael Beah’s experiences as a child soldier during the civil war in Sierra Leone. The book recounts his early life, conscription into a rebel army at the age of 13, and the harrowing acts of violence he both witnessed and participated in. The narrative also follows his eventual rehabilitation, his experiences with UNICEF, and his path to healing and advocacy.

You’ll Learn

  • Understanding the impact of civil war on children
  • Gaining insight into the psychology of child soldiers
  • Learning about the rehabilitation process for war-affected youths
  • Inspiration from a story of resilience and recovery

Key Points

  • Ishmael’s childhood and the outbreak of war
  • Forced recruitment as a child soldier
  • Experiences of combat and survival
  • Rescue by UNICEF and rehabilitation
  • Struggles with PTSD and reintegration into society
  • Transition from soldier to advocate for peace

Who’s it For

  • Readers interested in memoirs
  • Those curious about child soldiers
  • Individuals passionate about human rights
  • People seeking stories of healing and redemption

About the author

Ishmael Beah is a former child soldier from Sierra Leone who has become an author, human rights activist, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. His work brings attention to the plight of child soldiers around the world.