Essay On A Long Way Gone By Ishmael Beah

A Long Way Gone Book Review A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah is a very powerful memoir that shows his experiences as a child soldier during the civil war in Sierra Leone. His writings show how he went from a regular child living day to day to a violent, bloodthirsty soldier trying to survive. I enjoyed this book because Beah’s writing is honest and blunt, and he’s not afraid to describe the horrible violence and trauma he and his comrades endured as young soldiers. Despite the harsh reality of the book, Beah writes with faith and courage.

A Long Way Gone is a true story about the civil war in Sierra Leone that lasted from March 23, 1991, to January 18, 2002. The main character, Ishmael Beah is only 12 years old at the start of the book and he talks about his experiences in a town called Mogbwemo. He lives

He conveys a very accurate depiction of the brutality and chaos that emerged in Sierra Leone during the war. He shows how young boys were exploited by armed groups. His depiction of the atrocities he has watched and carried out himself is horrifying and deeply upsetting. For example, the image of guns in the book represents the power and control of those who wield them. In his memoir, Beah says, “The corporal gave the signal with a pistol shot and I grabbed the man’s head and slit his throat in one fluid motion,” (Beah). This shows the heinous acts of violence that Ishmael was forced to commit as a boy soldier during the war. On the other hand, music can symbolize hope and healing for Ishmael. “I had not slept well for months now, and so far I had been able to avoid my nightmares by busying myself day and night with listening to and writing the lyrics of Bob Marley’s songs,” (Beah). Overall, he expresses how fear, pain, and hope dominated all aspects of his existence in his writings. His experiences serve as a reminder of the devastating impact on Sierra Leone and