Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust

(Paperback)

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Immaculee Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Immaculees family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans.

Incredibly, Immaculee survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. It was during those endless hours of unspeakable terror that Immaculee discovered the power of prayer, eventually shedding her fear of death and forging a profound and lasting relationship with God.

She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional lovea love so strong she was able seek out and forgive her familys killers. The triumphant story of this remarkable young womans journey through the darkness of genocide will inspire anyone whose life has been touched by fear, suffering, and loss.

Reviews

I am humbled by the extraordinary spirituality that shines throughout Immacule Ilibagizas story of terror, endurance, healing, and forgiveness. As a Rwandan, I am proud that we can look beyond the misconceived differences that resulted in the murder of so many of our children, men, and women in 1994. Immacules account of genocide survival is truly astonishing. It gives us hope of overcoming the divisions deliberately created by those with self-serving agendas and no thought for humanity. Everyone should read this storysurvivors as well as perpetrators. I hope that all can experience Immacules profound spiritual transformation and be inspired to work for a united and lasting nation.
Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of the Republic of Rwanda

In 1994, Rwandan native Ilibagiza was [24] years old and home from college to spend Easter with her devout Catholic family when the death of Rwandas Hutu president sparked a three-month slaughter of [more than] one million ethnic Tutsis. She survived by hiding in a Hutu pastors tiny bathroom with seven other starving women for 91 cramped, terrifying days. This searing first-hand account of Ilibagizas experience cuts two ways: her description of the evil that was perpetrated, including the brutal murders of her family members, is soul-numbingly devastating, yet the story of her unquenchable faith and connection to God throughout the ordeal uplifts and inspires. This book is a precious addition to the literature that tries to make sense of humankinds seemingly bottomless depravity and counterbalancing hope in an all-powerful, loving God.
Publishers Weekly

Left to Tellis for anyone who is weary of the predictable eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth trance most of the world suffers from. Immacule Ilibagiza breaks that spell by bravely quelling the storm within, and contacting a force so powerful that it allows her to calm the storm without, and more important, to forgive the unforgivable. Her story is an inspiration to anyone who is at odds with a brother, a nation, or themselves.
Judith Garten, teacher and counselor of The 50/50Work and a child of the WWII Holocaust

This book has renewed my faith in God and the Universe in a profound and real way that has changed me forever.
Christiane Northrup, M.D., the author ofWomens Bodies, Womens Wisdom

An inspirational, life-altering book. Once you turn that first page, youre changed forever. You will never forget Immacule and what it means to embrace life in the darkest of times.
Cindy Pearlman,New York TimesSyndicate

Immacule Ilibagizas gift of forgiveness to the perpetrators of the unthinkable acts revealed in this book is just one of the extraordinary examples of her unwavering courage. This book moved me in unimaginable ways, and reminded me once again about the immense grace that is born out of faith and forgiveness.
Denise Linn, the author ofIf I Can Forgive, So Can You

Reading this book has truly changed my lifenot in some distant future, but right now! I cant even describe my feelings, but they have shifted things inside me in such a way that I just cant find the words. This is a book that defies adequate description.
Vimala Rodgers, author and motivational speaker

Immacules story is totally gripping from first to last page. Its such an important work that I dont want to just describe it as a page-turner . . . but it is. This is a book that will stay with me forever.
Al Burton, writer, director, and creator of numerous hit TV shows

Left to Tellreminds us that we are all sons and daughters of God; that with faith, miracles will always appear; and that forgiveness is the key to freedom. A must-read for all of us in these troubled times.
Colette Baron-Reid, the author ofRemembering the Future

Left to Tellis an incredibly important story. It addresses both the best and the worst aspects of our humanity. Immacule is a living example of the undefeatable human spirit! Her story is timeless.
Steve Kalafer, three-time Academy Awardnominated producer

Author Bio

Immacule Ilibagiza lost most of her family during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Four years later, she immigrated to the United States and began working at the United Nations in New York City. She now devotes herself full-time to public speaking and writing books that share her message of how faith and forgiveness can heal hearts and change the world. In 2007 she established the Left to Tell Charitable Fund, which helps support Rwandan orphans, and was awarded the Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Reconciliation and Peace.Steve Erwin is a New York Times best-selling author and award-winning journalist. He has co-authored seven books and is currently working his second novel. He lives in New York City with his wife, journalist and author Natasha Stoynoff.