Customer Reviews

Secrets in the Fire

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This spare story presents the story of a young girl, Sophia, after she steps on a land mine. The impact of the well-chosen description of the circumstances is powerful. From the brutal reality of the loss of her village and the travel looking for a place to live, to the thoughts which carry Sophia through her daily life, this book is a memorable experience. We, who complain if the weather is too humid, could take a moment and reflect on the beauty of every day and the many fortunes of our lives.

There are many groups advocating for land mine clean-up; the power of their cause is clarified and personalized by the simple life of an actual young woman maned Sophia. She is a real survivor. It would be an honor to meet her.

Because I read some background material on Henning Mankell prior to purchasing this book, I knew the main character in this story (Sophia) was real. The forward to the book also underscores that. That knowledge in advance of reading the book definitely impacts the reading. Admittedly, I'm unsure about the degree of impact if it had been the reverse - to learn that at the end. But impacting and humbling it would be in any and all events.

This is an amazing story about an amazing person. I have traveled and lived in close proximity to poverty stricken areas around the world over my lifetime. Having seen some of that squalor renders my impression of the events in this story even more meaningful with continual thoughts of "I just can't imagine ..." as the story unfolds.

I rated this a "5" in part to honor Mankell for honoring Sophia;in part to honor Sophia who deserves the highest rating in life for her courage. It's difficult to use the phrase "it's good book" for a story recounting the pain and suffering of an amazing child but the "5" rating is also for a story with the strongest example possible of an indomitable (Henning's most descriptive adjective) human spirit. I'd encourage all to purchase this book.