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    Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram
    Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram
    Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram
    Audiobook12 hours

    Beneath the Tamarind Tree: A Story of Courage, Family, and the Lost Schoolgirls of Boko Haram

    Written by Isha Sesay

    Narrated by Isha Sesay

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    The first definitive account of Boko Haram’s abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, their years in captivity, and why this story still matters - by celebrated international journalist Isha Sesay. 

    The kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in 2014 made global headlines. From poor Nigerian families, these girls had defied the odds and pursued an education, but daring to dream resulted in one of the most high-profile abductions in modern history. Award-winning CNN anchor Isha Sesay was on the front lines as the story broke, and when 21 of the girls were released, she was the only journalist to accompany them on their dangerous journey back home.

    In Beneath the Tamarind Tree, having developed unprecedented access to the Chibok girls, Sesay shares an intimate account of the night Boko Haram attacked, exclusive details about their years in captivity, and their daring tales of escape. We meet Priscilla who dreamt of becoming a doctor, Saa who juggled schoolwork with family obligations, Mary who fought constant homesickness to stay in school, and Dorcas who planned to be the first in her family to get a college degree.

    Sesay delves into the inadequate Nigerian government response to the kidnapping, while synthesizing lessons about global national security. She also reminds us of the personal sacrifice required of journalists to bring us the truth, at a time of growing mistrust of the media. Beneath the Tamarind Tree is a gripping listen and a story of resilience with a soaring message of hope at its core, reminding us of the ever-present truth that progress for all of us hinges on unleashing the potential of women.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHarperAudio
    Release dateJul 9, 2019
    ISBN9780062917539
    Author

    Isha Sesay

    Isha Sesay is an award-winning journalist who led the CNN team that won a 2014 Peabody Award for coverage of the missing Chibok girls. She hosted CNN NewsCenter, headed the network’s Africa reporting for ten years, and received a Gracie Award for Outstanding Anchor for her coverage of the Chibok girls’ story. She is the founder of W.E. (Women Everywhere) Can Lead, a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing and empowering teenage girls to become Africa’s next generation of leaders. Of Sierra Leonean descent, Sesay grew up in Britain and holds a BA with honors in English from Trinity College, Cambridge University. She lives in Los Angeles.

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    Reviews for Beneath the Tamarind Tree

    4/5

    19 ratings4 reviews

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    • 5/5
      Thanks for telling the story of the girls. I hope we never forget them and never let such events repeat itself
    • 5/5
      The detailed analysis provided rich content and context. Beautifully written. Definitely tugged at my heart strings! Every chapter made me tear up or burst out in tears. Definitely the best book I have ever read
    • 2/5
      In 2014, 276 schoolgirls were kidnapped from the city of Chibok in Nigeria. Over 100 of the girls remain in captivity or missing. This book outlines the history of the Boko Haram terrorist group, the history of the region, and some of the girl's stories.The book followed 4 girls. 2 of the girls escaped immediately and were never spoken again. 1 of the girls remained in captivity and her story focused on her mother. The 4th girl was spoken about extensively. I wish the author had given each of the girls an equal voice. Every other chapter was about the author and her family. Although the author has an interesting story and family, I wanted to read about the Chibok girls, not the author. It also seemed that the author, a journalist, was obsessed with capturing photos of the girls and gaining an exclusive with them. This made her seem exploitative. I think this is an important story to tell, however I do not think it was told very well. Overall, this is not a book that I will re-read or recommend.
    • 4/5
      Chibok, a small town in Nigeria is a town of hardworking men and women. Families that are poor in economy but rich in love. Where mothers pressure the fathers into allowing their daughters an education at great sacrifice to their family's income. They pin great hopes on their daughters education and their futures, a future that will not only benefit the girls but their families. Hopes of which their daughters are well aware. So it is at school the girls are, studying dilegently, homesick or not when Boka Harem pays a visit that will change many lives.I remember the bring back our girls slogan, the kidnapping of over two hundred school girls of the ages between 13 and 18. The outrage of many, the power and terrorization by the Boka Harem in the Nigerian countryside, but a story that was soon forgotten. I often wondered what happened to these girls and was anxious to read this book. The girls were not though forgotten of all, not by their families of course but also not by our author, herself a native of Sierra Leone and now a CNN correspondent. She followed the story from beginning to the writing of this book, often at great danger and sacrifice. Some of the girls have been freed, but not all. The authors own story is told in alternating chapters with that of the girls she interviewed after their release. It is a valuable if difficult story to read but provides insight into the Nigerian government who still vows to bring back the remaining girls. It also provides information on how some of the girls are doing now as well as those of the parents of the girls who have not yet returned. It is a well done, clearly laid out book from beginning to end. The author herself is the narrator and does an excellent job.ARC from Edelweiss