| Redemption Road: The Quest for Peace and Justice in Liberia (A Novel) |  | Author: Elma Shaw
Publisher: Cotton Tree Press
Category: Book
Buy New: $24.95
as of 3/17/2010 15:41 EDT details
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New (2) Used (2) from $23.95
Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  2 reviews
Sales Rank: 355,972
Media: Hardcover
Edition: First
Pages: 240
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.6 x 5.4 x 1
ISBN: 0980077400
EAN: 9780980077407
ASIN: 0980077400
Publication Date: August 11, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
Set in Monrovia during the administration of Liberia's former president, Charles Taylor, this riveting debut is a story of recovery, atonement, and the continuing quest for peace and justice in a nation plagued by conflict and inequalities since its founding by free blacks and former American slaves. Life in war-torn Liberia is not easy, and it is especially challenging for Bendu Lewis, a young woman who counsels traumatized survivors of Liberia's civil war while struggling silently with memories of her own war-time experiences. When the warlord who once held her in captivity suddenly appears in town, she decides that for her own healing, and for the voiceless victims of the war, she must bring him to justice for his past atrocities. In her pursuit of Commander Cobra, Bendu finds much more than she bargained for, including the courage to finally confront and make amends for her own painful war-time secret. Written with compassion, honesty and clarity, Elma Shaw's Redemption Road helps us to finally begin to make sense of what has often been termed a 'senseless' war. Hers is a new but mature voice that shows remarkable insight into both the causes of Liberia's civil war, and the cure for healing the wounds and averting further conflict.
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| Customer Reviews:
 Redeeming July 24, 2008
T. Weefur (Washington, DC)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Redemption Road eloquently and vividly airs the 'dirty laundry' of the brutal actions and devastating consequences of the Liberian civil war in a medium that has not yet been utilized--literary fiction. The plot, which follows several characters who have not been able to deal with what happened to them during the war, gently twists and turns, always keeping the reader wondering what's around the bend. What I enjoyed most about the book was the author's ability to help the reader understand what was going on in the minds of the perpetrators of violence. The novel also illustrates that the labels of 'victim' and 'oppressor' can be interchangeable in time of war. Shaw also beautifully describes the duality of humanity and inhumanity of both protagonist and antagonist in Redemption Road. In her artful storytelling, the author reveals hope, repentance and forgiveness for even the most despicable crimes against humanity.
As a Liberian, this descriptive novel was especially meaningful as it whisked me home, once again--reading the familiar "Liberian English", and creating great imagery of smells, sights and sounds of a country I love. I was inspired by the notion embedded in the plot that achieving justice and finding forgiveness are truly the only ways that Liberia can successfully move past the horrors that held us back. Redemption Road is an inspiration to Liberians and anyone else who has an interest in historical works of fiction, and allows us all to see the strength of the human spirit.
 A MUST READ! EXCELLENT! November 1, 2008
Michelle Stubblefield (M Stubblefield)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
Well written story that hooks you at the beginning and leaves you on edge at the end of every page - anxious to know what happens next. With ease, she explores the complexities of war and the ramifications on a society - questioning our definitions of victim and perpetrator. The story gave me a new perspective in trying to understand how and/or why people behave the way they do during conflict. I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!
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