PDF Slave: My True Story by Mende Nazer; Damien Lewis; Damien Lewis in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach.By MystiecubI made the unfortunate mistake of buying this book used; and I ended up receiving a copy that had been written in on many of the pages; with words underlined and notes written in the margins. Except for that; the only thing I disliked about this book is the fact that it started on the day of the raid; and then went back in time to several years before the raid. I much prefer my stories to be told chronologically; and find it rather annoying when authors sucker people into continuing to read by putting a major; traumatic event first only to go back and explain the events leading up to it.That being said; this is an amazing story. It's incredibly hard to believe things like this still go on either unnoticed or ignored. I finished this in one day and about half the night--I just couldn't put it down. The way Mende's native culture is described is very vivid; and for me it was easy to imagine and feel everything the Nuba people were. The fact that her childhood seemed so carefree and happy made the raid all the more traumatizing.Just as a forewarning to those of you who haven't read it: there are parts in the story that are VERY graphic; and it includes some rather controversial topics (like circumcision and very young girls getting engaged/married). There are instances of rape and other appalling abuse. This is not a book for those who can't handle reading about that sort of thing. The amount of detail there is makes it difficult to read (emotionally).It's difficult to articulate how profound this story is without spoiling it. Anyone who hasn't read it should.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting Read About SudanBy ShootingStarzThis book is an interesting read about existing black tribes in Sudan; their Arab conquerors; and the conflict/war/genocide in Sudan. This book is a true story about Mende Nazer; who was captured as a young girl and sold as a slave to the Arabs in Sudan; and later London.Some Sudanese claim her story is false and that she was never a slave. They say she was free to come and go as she pleased and that she was paid. When she was transported to London; she was working for the family of a Sudanese Diplomat. Therefore; it is easy to see why some people refute her claims. However; I've read books about black tribes all over Sudan and they all have the same story about how the Arabs and the Sudanese government raided their villages. Considering these tribes do not speak the same language; I tend to believe what happened to them. It is hard to dismiss it as mere coincidence.Mende is an intelligent girl who is loved by her family. When the Arabs raid her Nuba village; she is kidnapped; raped; and sold into slavery to a family in Khartoum. They beat her brutally over the smallest infractions; like playing in the sprinklers. All these beatings eventually cause her some health problems later in life. When she is sold to her master's sister in London (the diplomat's wife); she is treated better and is not beaten; but she is kept as a prisoner in the home and is worked even harder than she was in Sudan; barely having time to sleep. She is ocassionally allowed out alone for short distances. One day; when her master and her family are visiting Sudan; she walks around looking for a black; Nuba; Sudanese to help her escape. She finds someone who listens to her story and puts her in touch with a fellow Nuba in London. They help her escape. Eventually; a man named Damien Lewis (co-author of this book) helps her with her asylum claim in London.I gave this book 3 stars for a few reasons. The main reason is that the writing and editing was so ridiculously horrible that it made the book hard to read. Supposedly; Nazer dictated the book and Lewis wrote it. He's co-authored other books where he's done a great job; so I don't understand why he failed here. Second; Mende comes off as a spoiled; whining child/adult at times (I'm referring to the times before and after her enslavement; not during.) Third; Mende repeatedly talks about how she cannot return to Sudan or to her village; but never actually bothers to explain why. I'd think this would be important considering the number of times she mentions she cannot return.Lastly; this has nothing to do with my rating. It is just an FYI. There is a movie based off this book; but I felt that the essence of the book was not included in the movie. Also; many things that happen in the book do not happen in the movie; and vice versa. I can honestly say it is one of the worst adaptations I have ever seen. Therefore; do not think you can know Mende Nazer's story simply by watching the movie.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Heart breakingBy CWThis story broke my heart. I have never heard a story as sad as this one and it was true. It is horrible to see black people- African- people still suffer from atrocities to this day and time. I found myself outraged toward the Arabic family who held her and those who witness this repulsive behavior but thought it was okay as long as he/she benefited from it; as i read through the chapters. I am pretty sure if Koran had stated that it was not okay to keep slaves thus deeply religious Arabic family would not think it was okay to treat this human being as they did.The Journalist who composed this story has done a good job. The language is very effective and he really captures the emotions and feelings rather than the brutalities. I think that is what made it very enjoyable to read.I was hoping in the end all those who were involved would end up in the jail. Yet to my disappointment that did not happen.