Strength in What Remains is a non-fiction book written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tracy Kidder. The book was published in 2009 and tells the story of Deogratias “Deo” Niyizonkiza, a man who survived the Rwandan genocide and went on to found a hospital in Burundi. The book follows Deo’s journey from his childhood in Rwanda to his eventual move to the United States, where he attends college and medical school before returning to Africa to make a difference.
Chapter Summaries of Strength in What Remains
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Chapter 1: The Beginning
The book begins with Deo’s childhood in Rwanda. He was born into a Tutsi family and grew up in a small village. Deo’s father was a teacher and his mother was a farmer. Deo was a bright child and was able to attend school, which was rare for children in his village.
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Chapter 2: The Genocide
In 1994, the Rwandan genocide began. Deo’s family was forced to flee their village and hide in the forest. They were eventually found by Hutu militiamen and Deo’s parents were killed. Deo was able to escape and eventually made his way to a refugee camp in Tanzania.
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Chapter 3: Life in the Refugee Camp
Deo spent several years in the refugee camp. He was able to attend school and eventually went on to attend college in the United States. While in college, Deo decided to become a doctor and went on to attend medical school.
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Chapter 4: Returning to Africa
After completing his medical training, Deo returned to Africa. He initially worked in a hospital in Uganda, but eventually decided to move to Burundi. Deo was inspired to start a hospital in Burundi after seeing the need for medical care in the country. He spent several years working to raise money and build the hospital, which eventually opened its doors in 2008.
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Chapter 5: The Hospital’s Impact
The hospital has had a significant impact on the people of Burundi. It provides medical care to those who would otherwise have no access to healthcare. The hospital has also become a hub for community activities and has helped to bring people together.
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Chapter 6: Deo’s Legacy
Deo’s story is one of resilience and determination. He overcame incredible adversity to become a successful doctor and founder of a hospital. His story is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of making a difference in the world.
Conclusion of Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder
Strength in What Remains is a powerful and inspiring book that tells the story of one man’s journey from surviving the Rwandan genocide to founding a hospital in Burundi. Deo’s story is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of making a difference in the world. The book is well-written and provides a detailed look at Deo’s life and the challenges he faced. Overall, Strength in What Remains is a must-read for anyone interested in humanitarian efforts and the power of resilience.
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