Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Kidder writes a cogent analysis of the genocide in Burundi (1993) and in Rwanda (1994) and its effect upon one young Burundian Deogratias, a former medical student, who emigrates to the United States in 1994 with $200 in his pocket. He knows no one and speaks no English. He lands in the slums of New York City and encounters the daily horrors of surviving in extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances.

At first, he lives in a slum apartment, but when his roommate leaves, Deo decides to stay with the homeless people in Central Park. Living outdoors where he can see the night sky reminds him of his home in Burundi. Working as a delivery person for a grocery store for $15.00 a day is his only job. Fortunately for Deo, he meets Sharon McKenna, a former nun who works in the rectory of a downtown church. She speaks French, Deo's language, and hears his story of escape from the nightmare in Burundi and vows to help him find better circumstances. She introduces Deo to Nancy and Charlie Wolf who eventually provide him with a sanctuary and the opportunity to attend Columbia University.

Not only does Kidder narrate the circumstances of Deo's earlier life in Burundi and his harrowing escape from the madness that engulfed his country but also the psychological and emotional trauma he endured . Deo suffers immensely as a result of the genocide, and his dreams are filled with images of blood and gore. He struggles to get past it and to make some sense of his ordeal. His world view is skewed after watching neighbor kill neighbor and the slaughter of innocent women and children. He is haunted and cannot sleep or find peace.

Years later, Deo returns to Burundi and vows to create a medical clinic in Kigutu, his parents' new home. Overcoming numerous obstacles from government red tape and funding difficulties, Deo succeeds in seeing his dream come true. With the help of the women in the village, whom he empowers, the clinic arises from the ashes of the past to create a more hopeful future for his fellow Burundians.

Deo's gripping story is a testimonial to the resiliency of the human spirit and to the strength of one man who created good out of unimaginable evil.

Reviewed by Susie Nightingale

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