The Translator

There are very few times in my life where I literally am physically unable to put a book down. This book did it to me and I spent yesterday morning engrossed in the story. It reminded me a lot of A Long Way Gone, which I read last summer (equally as memorable) and even more of The Devil Came on Horseback, a film I saw in Portland several years ago. I became obsessed with the film and have it in my personal DVD collection, if anyone would like to borrow it.

The Translator: A Tribesman's memoir of Darfur Daoud Hari
(Thanks, Barb!)

As a member of the Zaghawa tribe in southern Sudan, Daoud grew up experiencing the peace of the region when Arab and non-Arab tribesman cohabited together. In 2003, when he was only a child, his village was attacked and destroyed. He was literally taken by the attackers as a translator because he knew Arabic and English from school. From them, he escaped and roamed the deserts, helping the dying he found along the way. Eventually he made his way into Chad and became involved with international aid groups and reporters as their translator. To do this he risked his life to going back into Darfur time and time again with reporters. He was eventually caught and jailed, beaten and tortured for being a "spy". The US Embassy, Congressman and the UN eventually teamed up to save Daoud's life and bring him to the US. He currently lives in Baltimore as a resettled refuge.

This is a humbling tale of selfless courage told in Daoud's voice. It is simple to read and through the simplicity he makes so many poignant observations on humanity, love, courage and truth. I think what I liked most about it is his ability to convey a complex political situation, not to mention a devastating story, with gentleness and compassion. I don't know that I could do the same if my family and home had been destroyed and I had the journey of this man. His story is amazing. Loved the book.
(Nichole, I know we both like this stuff. Get it and let me know what you think!)

The Translator Website