“Darkness can only be scattered by light, hatred can only be conquered by love.” —Saint Pope John Paul II

Suggested Grade Levels:

Grade 9-12

Review and Thoughts

Truly, Left to Tell is one of the greatest books I have ever read, not only from the perspective of a teacher, but also from the perspective of a young Catholic woman.  This book has touched me more than any other Catholic nonfiction because of the simple and innocent testimony of Immaculee Ilibagiza.

This book tells the story of Immaculee and her family who are devout Catholics living in Rwanda during the 1994 genocide.  She is a member of the Tutsi tribe that is mercilessly hunted and murdered by the Hutus during what is one of the most devastating genocides in modern history.  Immaculee is fortunate enough to find a hiding place with a nearby Christian minister and lives in his private bathroom with seven other woman.  It is through her prayer and faith in God coupled with the bravery and charity of the pastor that she is able to survive and emerge from the bathroom a whole woman both physically and mentally. Continue reading Conquered by Love: A Review of ‘Left to Tell’ →