A Long Way Gone By Ishmael Beah: An Analysis

“A Long Way Gone” is an autobiography written by Ishmael Beah that composed of memoirs on his own life as a young boy who experienced the mental and physical battle of reluctantly becoming a soldier. Before a civil war broke out in Sierra Leone in 1991, Ishmael had a normal life with his family in his hometown of Mogbwemo. When the war led by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) transpired, Ishmael and his older brother, Junior, along with their friends, were traveling to Mattru Jong to participate in a talent show. When the abominable news reached them, they traveled back to Mogbwemo just to witness the destruction and death. From this point onward, Ishmael and the other boys wandered from village to village, trying to avoid contact with the rebels. …show more content…
Ishmael’s hope to encounter his family fades away as he approached the village his family had taken refuge in. Unfortunately, the RUF had reached the village first and had destroyed it completely. Ishmael was then recruited by the government military force and was trained in army camps. He learned to use a gun, to fight, and to be strong with the help of an effective drug. After three years of being a boy soldier, Ishmael was taken away by the UNICEF and through their rehabilitation center, he slowly learned how to forget his past and regain his humanity. He was sent to live with his uncle in Freetown which was later invaded by the RUF. Ishmael then left Freetown and made his way to New York