Strength in What Remains

Award-winning author Kidder recounts the experiences of a soulful young man with the wonderful name of Deogratias ("thanks to God"), who survives the unspeakable horrors of the genocide in Rwanda and Burundi, only to face new trials as an immigrant in New York. With the help of several extraordinary people, Deo, who had been a medical student, returns to school and realizes his best hopes, including locating family members he thought were dead. There are reasons why authors should not read their own works. Kidder intones his narrative, rather than bringing it to life. His tone, along with a voice that sounds untrained, detracts from his excellent writing and the engaging story. M.S.W (c) AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine