Running the Rift

Benaron, Naomi

ISBN 10: 1611745667 ISBN 13: 9781611745665

Publisher: Highbridge Co, 2012

Synopsis

Rwandan runner Jean Patrick Nkuba dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal and uniting his ethnically divided country, only to be driven from everyone he loves when the violence starts, after which he must find a way back to a better life. Simultaneous.

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Highbridge Co
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1611745667
• ISBN 13: 9781611745665
• Binding: Audio CD