The Translator by Daoud Hari Review

          The translator is a roller coaster of emotions as we follow Daoud Hari, as a young man making a difference in the world while living in Darfur during a brutal genocide. A story of true bravery and adventure that will have you transfixed and in awe. Daoud Hari, a Zaghawa tribesman was driven from his home after his village was attacked by the Sudanese government backed militias groups. After his family was forced to disperse, Hari took his knowledge of language and applied it by becoming a translator for journalists thus throwing himself into danger so that the story of his people will not be forgotten nor covered by lies.

          This memoir was definitely a page turner. Reading the horrors of villages being murdered made my heart sink. Reading how ruthless the soldiers were made my skin crawl and question humanity. Reading about children being forced to become soldiers and kill people made my blood boil. Reading how the soldiers crafted lies to make villages attack each other saddened me as they were only trying to find a way to survive. A depressing read but well needed.

          What I love most about this memoir is how easily Daoud was able to make the audience feel as if we were in Darfur with him experiencing horrors that left a country scarred. Before I read this memoir, I did not know about the genocide in Darfur and to read the first hand account of how whole villages were slaughtered without remorse instantly made me feel grateful for the life I was given. The story makes you realize your own mortality in that life can be stripped at any moment.

          Furthermore, the story takes place in 2003 but is still relevant today as a genocide is currently still under way in Sudan were families are being slaughtered, mother and daughters being raped, protesters murdered and countless other atrocities. I would advise everyone to read this memoir to get a better of understanding of life during a genocide, to gain awareness and to remember life is sometimes out of your control.