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War Child: A Child Soldier's Story Audiobook
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(3.06) - 532 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In the mid-1980s, Emmanuel Jal was a seven year old Sudanese boy, living in a small village with his parents, aunts, uncles, and siblings. But as Sudan's civil war moved closer—with the Islamic government seizing tribal lands for water, oil, and other resources—Jal's family moved again and again, seeking peace. Then, on one terrible day, Jal was separated from his mother, and later learned she had been killed; his father Simon rose to become a powerful commander in the Christian Sudanese Liberation Army, fighting for the freedom of Sudan. Soon, Jal was conscripted into that army, one of 10,000 child soldiers, and fought through two separate civil wars over nearly a decade. But, remarkably, Jal survived, and his life began to change when he was adopted by a British aid worker. He began the journey that would lead him to change his name and to music: recording and releasing his own album, which produced the number one hip-hop single in Kenya, and from there went on to perform with Moby, Bono, Peter Gabriel, and other international music stars. Shocking, inspiring, and finally hopeful, War Child is a memoir by a unique young man, who is determined to tell his story and in so doing bring peace to his homeland.
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"An incredibly moving and heart felt book about the horrors of war written from a child's perspective. It is not sensationalized but is an honest look at one of the most terrifying genocides of our time. In the end there are ways to help. The author also has a documentary film by the same name, a Facebook page and various charities organized to help other people hurting in the Sudan. It is inspiring what this one war child has accomplished!"
— Lisa (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Jal’s story…fits securely in the history of Sudan’s second civil war but also stands on its own.”
— TIME -
“Fast-paced…stark…a provocative challenge.”
— The New York Times -
I was enormously impressed meeting Emmanuel Jal. He is an extraordinary artist, led by the heart….I felt I was meeting a man with the potential of a young Bob Marley. There is a generosity and compassion in his approach to the world that is an inspiration to me, and I am sure it will be to many others.
— Peter Gabriel
War Child Listener Reviews
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" What was there was interesting. I would have like a little more detail on how he eventually left the country and started over in America. "
— Ellie, 2/5/2014 -
" this book is very similar in theme and content to "a long way gone" by ishmael beah, but it takes you into the authors life after being a "lost boy." a sad look at what so many childhoods look like... "
— Amanda, 1/30/2014 -
" This was an excellent, revealing, and painful biography of a boy born in southern Sudan. Once you begin, you are not able to put the book down as you are swept into Jal Jok's story. I found his journey from hatred of God to learning to love and forgive amazing considering the pain he has endured. I would consider it impossible to read this and not be affected. "
— Jen, 1/29/2014 -
" A dark but powerful story. And now I want to find his music and see if I like it. "
— Brittany, 1/29/2014 -
" Incredible book - I just couldn't put it down. It's one of those books that changes your perspective on everything. So deeply disturbing, haunting, heart wrenching. "
— Stephanie, 1/18/2014 -
" An autobiography about a Sudanese boy who gets involved in the war and then rescued by an English woman. His story is very heartbreaking. It was difficult to read about a 9 year old walking around with a gun and wanting to kill Arabs. I still cannot fathom a country allowing it's children to fight. Anyway, I think that the ending shows that a child can move on after a life of war, but never really recover. "
— Kelle, 1/15/2014 -
" Fascinating and inspiring true story of a child solider in the Sudanese civil war. Simple yet compelling. A must read. "
— Bob, 1/11/2014 -
" The only book that has ever touched me so much I was sobbing. "
— Shenniff, 11/29/2013 -
" eye opening & worth reading. "
— Erin, 11/19/2013 -
" An eye-opening account of the civil war in Sudan. Very bleak, but ultimately, a story of hope. "
— Pam, 11/11/2013 -
" Emmanuel Jal is an incredible man and his story is amazing. This book is the story of a survivor who has devoted his life to helping those who are still trying to get out of the horrible life he was forced to live. "
— Megan, 10/15/2013 -
" Excellent. Emmanuel Jal is in the army at age 9, his family he thinks are all dead. His country, Sudan, is fighting the Arabs and later other Sudanese. He escapes the army with the help of an English aid worker, but it takes years for him to overcome his experiences. "
— Jennifer, 9/8/2013 -
" I was in awe of how much Emmanuel has suffered and despite that, he has become a voice for his people. Amazing story. "
— Ruth, 7/30/2013 -
" this book opens your eyes to understanding child soldiers (the ones that choose to fight)- so sad "
— Sarina, 7/21/2013 -
" Everyone needs to read this book. Heart renching and disgusting. I want any guns lovers or "patriots" who support the war to read this the.n look me in the eye when they argue against this bullshit. "
— Jasmine, 5/6/2013 -
" Tells a lot about how Emmanuel's experience in the war "
— HARLEM, 4/25/2013 -
" This book is awesome. It is pretty hard to read though. So many upsetting events and it's just awful to know that this is happening, but it is a great story of Emmanuel Jal's survival as a war child and how his faith in God helped him. "
— Yessenia, 9/24/2012 -
" Moving tale. Well worth a read. "
— Rusty, 9/19/2012 -
" This book wasn't a masterpiece and I struggled with parts of it - but I believe that's what made it so good. It was real, not polished or beautiful. It was Jal's story, from his mouth. And wow...just wow. I am truly inspired and humbled by him. "
— Arden, 7/10/2012 -
" Very sad story, indeed, but, after a while, it simply becomes boring. "
— Gabriel, 5/13/2012 -
" I did this as a cd in the car. Some scenes were very graphic, but it does explain a lot of what is going on in other parts of the world. I found myself wanting him to fight for his land and family too, even though he was apre-teen. Gets in to the psychology of getting kids to fight in wars. "
— Fran, 1/20/2012 -
" fantastic read inspiring story filled with injustice and struggle "
— Zeinab, 1/20/2012 -
" Just started this but it's hard to read due to the content. Update: couldn't finish it - the content was just too disturbing for me. :( "
— Michelle, 10/8/2011 -
" a tale of survival...haunting "
— Jessica, 9/7/2011 -
" Everyone needs to read this book. Heart renching and disgusting. I want any guns lovers or "patriots" who support the war to read this the.n look me in the eye when they argue against this bullshit. <br/><br/> "
— Jasmine, 3/14/2011 -
" I was in awe of how much Emmanuel has suffered and despite that, he has become a voice for his people. Amazing story. "
— Ruth, 2/7/2011 -
" I have read several books on the war in Africa, yet each time I am shocked about the gravity of the situation. This is a great read and one that opens your eyes to the world's problems. "
— Ms., 1/3/2011 -
" What was there was interesting. I would have like a little more detail on how he eventually left the country and started over in America. "
— Ellie, 10/19/2010 -
" Emmanuel Jal speaks for himself. You must read this! And then go the internet and read all that he is doing for the children of Sudan today. "
— Fran, 10/10/2010 -
" Very sad story, indeed, but, after a while, it simply becomes boring. "
— Gabriel, 8/22/2010 -
" I'm becoming an expert on Sudan. Is it possible to apply for a minor after I have graduated? "
— Chris, 7/10/2010 -
" An eye-opening account of the civil war in Sudan. Very bleak, but ultimately, a story of hope. "
— Pam, 6/24/2010 -
" it is a real story that can change your thinking of other people "
— Terrell, 5/21/2010 -
" Excellent. Emmanuel Jal is in the army at age 9, his family he thinks are all dead. His country, Sudan, is fighting the Arabs and later other Sudanese. He escapes the army with the help of an English aid worker, but it takes years for him to overcome his experiences. "
— Jennifer, 5/19/2010