Book relates living history
Friday, October 16, 2009
“Strength in What Remains” by Tracy Kidder, Random House, 2009.
By Sue Blechl
Special to The Gazette
Deogratias. Thanks be to God.
This is the story of Deo’s journeys, both physical and emotional, from Burundi to America and back.
We first meet Deo as he travels from Africa to New York City. He has $200 in his pocket, no knowledge of the English language and no idea of how he will live in his new home. Getting off the plane, he must literally rely on the kindness of strangers to survive.
Deo is a refugee from the genocidal wars in Rwanda and Burundi. He is accustomed to difficult conditions, but his story of survival in New York is almost beyond belief.
Once Deo is taken in by a generous couple, his life improves, and he is able to return to school and pursue a medical career. His goal is to return to Burundi and build a medical clinic for his village.
Deo’s six-month journey through the war-torn Africa in 1993 is told in the middle section of the book. Hutu and Tutsi heritage extends throughout Rwanda and Burundi; neither place is safe. Harrowing episodes document Deo’s exodus from the war and help us to understand the complex political situation in Africa.
The book closes with Deo’s journeys back to Burundi. On one trip Tracy Kidder accompanies him. Together they visit past sites important in Deo’s life. Some sites are poignant; some are disturbing.
The remnants of war can be seen in the cities and villages — memorials to those killed, damaged buildings that have yet to be repaired, poverty everywhere. After working with Paul Farmer, who helped found Partners In Health (PIH), an international health and social justice organization, Deo is inspired.
He undertakes the creation of a regional medical center in rural Burundi. Unable to manage the building of the facility while in America pursuing his medical degree, Deo returns to his country to supervise the construction himself. Once completed, the clinic serves more than 20,000 patients in its first year.
Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner Tracy Kidder has told another powerful and inspiring story. He relates living history to readers who are far removed from tragedy and poverty, both in our own country and throughout the world.
Read more about the author and Deo’s story at www.tracykidder.com.
• On the Shelf is written by staff of the Emporia Public Library and volunteers.