Pacifique Irankunda gives us an inside look of what it is like to grow up in the middle of a civil war and doesn't shy away from the brutality of how life really was for him. It's also a story of his path moving across the world and to a place of normalcy, of innocence, of struggles and growth of a different nature. This was a hard book to rate, as it was his life, but yet he's given us a glimpse into his world and his perceptions of how things appear to him, and what he remembers and doesn't want to forget. A brave man telling a sorrowful story, but hasn't lost hope. I wish you the best!
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

The Tears of a Man begins with a clear, fluid style that balances factual details with memories and emotions in a way that draws a reader in and along. As it progresses, however, the historical details take over and the pacing grinds to a halt. I find myself seeing it more as something I would use for research rather than one I enjoyed reading cover to cover.

Thank you to Pacifique Irankunda, Random House, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Read Around the World: <b>Burundi</b>

I knew very little about Burundi going into this book and I come out of it with a little more knowledge and a deep respect and sorrow for the people who live there and all they have suffered and endured simply by being. Much like Rwanda and Congo [which the author mentions several times], Burundi has been ravaged by war and has displaced many of the people who call it home. The stories the author tells are both hair-raising and heartbreaking and I am so glad he finally found safety and a little bit of peace.

For the most part this is a very good if albeit rough read. Books like this are always tough to read as they describe a life most of the reading world will [thankfully] never know. Listening to the author narrate this book was also particularly heart-wrenching as you could hear the emotion in his voice multiple times as he described things he and his family endured and the love he still has for his country [a note: IF you listen to the audiobook be prepared. Pacifique speaks amazing English, but he does have a very strong accent and I had to look up several places where my old ears could not discern what he was saying. I would recommend having a copy of the book nearby as you listen as it will helpful. It is only a handful of times - again, his English is amazing and I would highly recommend the narration to anyone. It is just so amazing to hear this story in his own beautiful voice.].

My only issue was towards the end of the book it seemed to take a rambling turn and I was never really sure just where we were in the story anymore - what starts out as linear, does not end that way. It was really the only issue I had in an otherwise deeply compelling read. The one story of the author and a friend at school and the video games struck a deep chord with me and is one of the stories that I think will stay with me for forever. You will not read this and remained unchanged.

Thank you to NetGalley, Pacifique Irankunda, and Random House Publishing House - Random House for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Tears of a Man Flow Inward chronicles Pacifique Irankunda's childhood growing up during the civil war in Burundi. This was an intense and eye-opening memoir to read. I admire Paci's courage and strength to relive these events and share them with the world. I appreciated all of the context Paci included to help the reader understand Burundi's civil war and the ethnic and cultural differences that led to this tragic event.

One thing I noticed was, even though this memoir covers such a tough and traumatic topic, Paci's never-ending sense of hope. I loved his message, and I think it will resonate with a lot of readers.

Thank you so much to Paci for sharing your story! and thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest review!