Running the Rift - Softcover

Benaron, Naomi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1851689044 ISBN 13: 9781851689040

Publisher: Oneworld Publications, 2013

Synopsis

Jean Patrick dreams of running in the Olympics, and with gruelling training he soon beats a world qualifying time. But his chances of success are threatened by the ethnic tensions erupting all around him. When Hutu violence against Tutsis finally crescendos and his homeland Rwanda is wracked by unforgivable atrocities, Jean Patrick, a Tutsi, has no choice but to run for his life abandoning fatherland, family, and the woman he loves. Finding them again will be the race of his life.

 

Following a decade in Rwanda’s history through the eyes of one boy, Running the Rift is a wrenching tale of a people’s collective trauma, of lives lost, and loves salvaged.

About this title

Review:

‘Incredibly engaging, filled with vitality and passion... a truly impressive read.’ Daily Mail

‘This touching story gets under the skin of Rwandan society.’ The Guardian

‘Benaron shines in her tender descriptions of Rwanda’s natural beauty and in her creation of Jean Patrick.’ Starred review Kirkus Reviews

‘Vivid. Four stars’ New Internationalist

‘[Has] the power to stop you in your tracks... a compel¬ling, important, accessible read – highly recommended. Five stars’ Lovely Treez books blog

‘Impressive.’ The Metro

‘A compelling insight into the lives of ordinary Rwandans.’ Running Fitness

‘Compelling and powerful.’ Good Book Guide

‘Powerful... a tribute to all who suffered.’ Bookbag

‘It is a testament to Benaron’s skill that a novel about genocide... conveys so profoundly the joys of family, friendship, and community.’ Starred review Publishers Weekly

‘Unflinching and beautifully crafted... highly recommended; readers who loved Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner will appreciate.’ Starred review Library Journal

‘Finely crafted... auspicious debut.’ The Daily Beast

‘Audacious and compelling.’ Washington Post

‘A novel full of unspeakable strife but also joy, humour, and love... the writer knows when to keep a steady pace and when to explode into an all-out sprint.’
O: Oprah Magazine

‘Gripping... Benaron sheds a crystalline beacon on an alarming episode in global history, and her charismatic protagonist leaves an indelible impression.’ Booklist

‘Well written and well researched... an impressive debut.’ The Seattle Times

‘Benaron writes beautifully... it’s unbearable; Benaron’s genius is that we read on despite it.’
The Bookpage

ENDORSEMENTS:
‘Ambitious, beautiful, unapologetically passionate. Truly fearless writing... culturally rich and completely engrossing.’ Barbara Kingsolver

‘[Benaron] is a breathtakingly compassionate writer, one who doesn't fall into the trap of condescension that befalls many Western authors.’ Michael Schaub

Prizes:
Winner of the Bellwether Prize for fiction

About the Author:

Naomi Benaron teaches at Pima Community College Arizona and online through the Afghan Women’s Writing Project. An advocate for African refugees in her community, she has worked extensively with genocide survivor groups in Rwanda. She is also an Ironman triathlete.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oneworld Publications
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1851689044
• ISBN 13: 9781851689040
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 398