The Lost Girls of Boko Haram

Think back several years ago and you will recall hearing and seeing in the news the horrific story of the Nigerian school girls who were kidnapped by Boko Haram. For a time the hashtag #Bringbackourgirls circulated on social media. As news stories do, this event eventually was replaced by other stories. The recently published book Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost School Girls of Boko Haram by Isha Sesay returns to this heart-wrenching story.

Isha Sesay is uniquely situated to tell this story for several reasons. To begin, while employed with CNN she reported this story from the ground and interacted with both the girls and their families. As such she had formed relationships with them and was able to tell their stories. Beyond her access via CNN, as a native of Sierra Leone, Sesay also approaches these events from the perspective of an African woman. As she indicates frequently throughout the book, this could have been her story if it not for her privileged upbringing.

Sesay alternates between telling the story of the kidnapped girls, her own story, and providing background information related to the politics and military of Nigeria as needed. The stories of specific girls, their dreams, and families allows you to get to know them personally. As you read, your heart breaks for what they experienced. However, your faith is encouraged as Sesay emphasizes the strong Christian faith of these girls and how it sustained them throughout their imprisonment. Alas, many of the girls are still being held.

Beneath the Tamarind Tree is highly recommended for many audiences. Individuals who enjoy reading about current events and other cultures will enjoy this. Mature high school students will benefit from reading this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received Beneath the Tamarind Tree via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.