Dear Ishmael Beah

Improved Essays
Dear Ishmael Beah,

I am writing to you in regards to your bestselling memoir A Long Way Gone published on February 13th, 2007. I have been a fan of yours for quite some time, but have been convinced by clear evidence gathered that there are some inaccuracy in your memoir. I firmly believe that this memoir contains embellishments and exaggeration on your experience as a child soldier. Several articles have been published explaining controversial facts mentioned in your story that don’t seem to be correct. I am curious to hear your response on these allegations and the truth behind your memoir.

According to The Australian, three journalists have collected enough information to conclude that you served as a child soldier for a little more than two months rather than two years. Not only was this information found to be inaccurate, the book’s timeline seems to be off in terms of the year Mattru Jong was attacked. According to people in your town, they have confirmed that the attacks described, happened in January of 1995 rather than January of 1993, as stated in your book. Peter Wilson has also reported that your former teachers gathered academic documents, which prove that there was a record of your attendance
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I think speaking out about the truth on all these allegations should be owed to the hundreds of thousands of readers that the book has been sold to. After all the allegations inflicted on your reputation which can be viewed as slander and commercial damage it is also questionable why no legal action has been taken on your part. Peter Wilson states, “They’re not suing because they know I’m telling the truth. And they’re hoping we’ll just go away. So my response is, sue us, and we’ll see you in court”. Ishmael Beah as a human rights activist please start answering the questions and speak out about the allegations made on your embellished

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