My reactions to the book, “We wish to inform you that tomorrow we will be killed with our families,” was what an awesome read. Phillip Gourevitch sleekly describes the events of the Rwandan 1994 genocide through personal testimonies of Tutsi survivors and victims. The book was an easy read that kept the reader’s attention the entire 353 pages.
The readings were disturbing to hear the truth of such a violation against mankind. It was sad to see a nation totally torn apart because of a status. Gourevitch described page after page heart drenching events that you would not believe if it was not documented. In 1994, the world witnessed genocide and cared less about the outcome of the situation or the victims. Some of the scenes described, especially the ones that involves children, was breathe taking. I just remember throughout the entire book having this feeling of despair and sympathy for both groups. Much so the Tutsis because they received the biggest loses, but for some Hutus that was forced to take actions is such horrible crimes for become victims themselves. I felt the Rwandan government was the tot
al blame for the genocide, but France and other international powers assisted indirectly. One of the most sickening statements in the entire book came from the French President Francois Mitterrand, who stated, “In such countries, genocide is not too important.” Although President Mitterrand said, the other world leaders expressed the same sentiments through their actions. Not only did I as a reader feel frustrated, but you could feel Gourevitch’s frustration as well in his chose of words.
al blame for the genocide, but France and other international powers assisted indirectly. One of the most sickening statements in the entire book came from the French President Francois Mitterrand, who stated, “In such countries, genocide is not too important.” Although President Mitterrand said, the other world leaders expressed the same sentiments through their actions. Not only did I as a reader feel frustrated, but you could feel Gourevitch’s frustration as well in his chose of words. I read the book before watching the film, “Hotel Rwanda.” I was totally surprised at the similarity of the stories that Gourevitch wrote and the stories implemented within the film. The film was more of an effort to honor Paul for his heroic efforts in saving over 1200 Tutsis. Gourevitch eludes to Paul’s humanitarian efforts in the book, but not to such detail. Paul’s story was a unique story because he was caught between a rock and a hard place; he was a Hutu and his wife Tatiana a Tutsi. I thought it was a powerful story because it got the message that ethnicity does not precede humanity. He could have taken his family and left without the burden of 1200 strangers.
Although I thought the film was a great reenactment of the 1994 genocide, there are a few things that I would have taken from the book and incorporated in the film. One, I would have taken the story back a little further to bring the viewers up to speed on the history of the two groups, the civil tension, and what triggered the events of the genocide. The film did make note of the obvio
us assassination of Rwandan President Habyarimana as a trigger event, but the book told about the civil struggle that had existed for decades. Another event that I wished the film would have shown was Tutsis trying to escape the massacre. For example, in the book, Gourevitch described scenes of Odette and Jean-Baptiste trying to escape with their family and Odette’s sister getting killed or scenes where the Tutsi residents took refuge at local churches to escape the massacres, but getting betrayed by Hutu ministers. I gue
ss I would have liked to the director to show a little more of the struggle that the Tutsis had to endure to escape the sharpened blades of the machete. Furthermore, I would have liked the film to incorporate the ongoing struggle and killings that occurred well after the new Rwandan government was established.
us assassination of Rwandan President Habyarimana as a trigger event, but the book told about the civil struggle that had existed for decades. Another event that I wished the film would have shown was Tutsis trying to escape the massacre. For example, in the book, Gourevitch described scenes of Odette and Jean-Baptiste trying to escape with their family and Odette’s sister getting killed or scenes where the Tutsi residents took refuge at local churches to escape the massacres, but getting betrayed by Hutu ministers. I gue
ss I would have liked to the director to show a little more of the struggle that the Tutsis had to endure to escape the sharpened blades of the machete. Furthermore, I would have liked the film to incorporate the ongoing struggle and killings that occurred well after the new Rwandan government was established.However, I thought the film did the book justice-they complimented each other exceptionally well. The film and book truly showed the lack of support from the international and African governments to help resolve the tragic events of Rwandan history.
