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The Bite of the Mango

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The Bite of the Mango

Written by: Mariatu Kamara, Susan McClelland
Narrated by: Jessica Almasy
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The astounding story of one girl's journey from war victim to UNICEF Special Representative. As a child in a small rural village in Sierra Leone, Mariatu Kamara lived peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Rumors of rebel attacks were no more than a distant worry. But when 12-year-old Mariatu set out for a neighboring village, she never arrived. Heavily armed rebel soldiers, many no older than children themselves, attacked and tortured Mariatu. During this brutal act of senseless violence, they cut off both of her hands.

Stumbling through the countryside, Mariatu miraculously survived. The sweet taste of a mango, her first food after the attack, reaffirmed her desire to live, but the challenge of clutching the fruit in her bloodied arms reinforced the grim new reality that stood before her. With no parents or living adult to support her and living in a refugee camp, she turned to begging in the streets of Freetown.In this gripping and heartbreaking true story, Mariatu shares with readers the details of the brutal attack, its aftermath, and her eventual arrival in Toronto. There, she began to pull together the pieces of her broken life with courage, astonishing resilience and hope.

©2008 Mariatu Kamara, Susan McClelland (P)2011 Audible, Inc. Biographies History & Culture Village Africa Nonfiction
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What the critics say

"Written with journalist McClelland, her story is deeply personal yet devoid of self-pity. As it aims to correct misperceptions about Sierra Leone and to raise awareness of the needs of child victims of war, this book will unsettle readers - and then inspire them with the evidence of Mariatu's courage." (Publishers Weekly)
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Very well narrated. The book was recommended by a friend who became the author's tutor while in high school in Canada. It is hard to imagine that anyone can suffer so much in life and have the courage and determination to overcome the horror, fear, pain...

Compelling, tragic and inspiring.

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Such an amazing insight of this courageous woman! You'll be surprised as to how you can easily relate to her triumphs after the horrific events of her childhood! I feel great appreciation towards Mariatu! Thank you for your words!

A Must Read/Listen!

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