Life and Death in Nyamata: Memoir of a Young Boy in Rwanda’s Darkest Church by Omar Ndizeye is the harrowing but true tale of his ordeal in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. He begins by describing his oftentimes hard, but loving and enjoyable life as a child growing up in Iwacu. He reminisces about his friends and family and how he was looking forward to excelling at school. However, the assassination of the president set in motion the Rwandan genocide, one of the bloodiest events of the late 20th century. As a memoir involving genocide, widely considered to be the epitome of human evil, Omar’s book could easily be a depressing tale. Because he is a survivor, Omar celebrates his life and encourages hope in all of us. Omar Ndizeye’s tale is one of pure faith in God and of the hope that was so scant as he lost his family and the friends around him. I could only imagine Omar’s fear as they sought refuge in the Nyamata Catholic church – a place many considered safe. I felt sick as the French and Belgian soldiers came and fetched their white priests and nuns, but refused to offer help to the Tutsis fleeing and fighting for their lives. I commend Omar on not hating these people, as so many people easily and rightfully would. Omar’s distressing tale of his escape and struggles to survive are most of all a message of hope. I am glad I read Omar’s account in Life and Death in Nyamata and am grateful he has found the courage and strength to share his experiences and helped himself heal in the process. Omar’s memoir is exceptionally well written and is a story of bravery that the whole world needs to hear.

This memoir is as heartbreaking as it is important. It is incredibly well written and a captivating read about his horrific experiences during one of the darkest times in history. I urge everyone to read this book and listen to Omar's story. Even though he describes his experiences, he also encompasses the voices of people who cannot share their story.

A remarkable story about an incredible person: as I read Omar's memoir, I was filled with emotions of love, sadness, fear, horror, joy, and inspiration for the profound gratitude he had throughout his novel. I highly recommend this book for those interested in stepping outside the bounds of everyday life as we know it.

I highly recommend this memoir to anyone and everyone. Omar’s story is one of perseverance against the most unspeakable atrocities, yet his message of hope tells us that life will conquer over the evil in this world. There are no words that can accurately describe the challenges he overcame and the hopefulness he is able to pass on to others. Murakoze, Omar.

This is an absolutely terrifying memoir about the 1994 Rwandan genocide. I really admire the author's courage to relive those dreadful days and share them with the world.

Omar has a unique ability to weave together his and his family's history with that of his country. His heartbreaking story is one of survival and resilience, loss and renewal. In sharing his testimony, Omar continues to be a force for good, both for his community and for the world.

Omar Ndizeye provides a powerful recounting of the darkest days of his childhood. When being a young boy was ignored, and he was identified only as a Tutsi to be killed. His harrowing journey where he faced death many times gives way to hope of survival and reuniting with those who remained. His testimony of pain and horror contrasts with strength and hope. This is a narrative everyone should read, and his survival reminds us of light within the darkest shadows.

Omar’s gratitude for all aspects of his life is one of the most uplifting and inspirational connections I have in my life today. And for that, I am tremendously thankful.