I was an emotional wreak by the time i.was done reading Truth By Omission. Such a ground breaking novel, that puts you through so many emotions. This is a very heartbreaking, yet inspirational novel.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This novel details the brutal life of a child born in Rwanda who escapes brutality but is forced into situations that require him to participate in bloodshed. He finds a mentor, works hard to become educated, finds love, becomes a father, and then the past finds him. This novel is both heartbreaking and inspirational.

I highly recommend the book.

Wonderfully crafted account of the sad reality of many people living in Africa during the Rwanda genocide. Azi is a small boy when his parents, and then his aunt and uncle, are brutally murdered and he finds himself captive by a gang of thugs. He endures their ruthless abuse and witnesses events no person should ever be subjected to. Azi is a smart boy and also does terrible acts in order to fit in and survive. His intelligence allows for his ease and the love of learning. He has an uncanny knack for learning many new languages and dialects that sets his life on course it probably wouldn’t have otherwise taken.

The story follows Azi AKA Alfred as he gets away from captors and attends a catholic missionary school, he eventually ends up at a UN run refugee camp. Now in his late teens his life begins to change, he meets people (Victor and four Nuns) who love and believe in him. They have a profound influence on his character and change is life. Opportunity arises for young Alfred and he ends up in the USA. He has a loving devoted wife, a beautiful daughter and a solid career as a physician. But never being too far from his ugly and tragic past, he is accused of war crimes in Rwanda and has to deal front and center with those horrific events.

There is a lot going on here and many lessons to be learned; Rwanda history, Human tragedy, Love, Compassion, Empathy, Forgiveness, Opportunity, Loyalty, How strong the human will is to survive, How good can come out of so much evil.

We make our own destiny and can’t run away from our deeds, good or bad we are accountable. Our actions follow us in way way or another, be always kind, your conscience will thank you.