Title: Running the Rift
Author: Naomi Benaron
First published January 1, 2010
365 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781616200428 (ISBN10: 1616200421)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
In Running the Rift, we witness the journey of Jean Patrick Nkuba, a gifted athlete who runs to chase his dreams and save his life. As a Tutsi in Rwanda, his people face increasing violence and discrimination.
Amidst the mounting tension between Hutus and Tutsis, Jean Patrick sees running as a beacon of hope for himself and his community. Naomi Benaron’s award-winning novel takes us on a breathtaking ride as we follow Jean Patrick’s quest to become Rwanda’s first Olympic medalist in track.
Through his eyes, we experience the country’s tumultuous past, its fragile present, and the unwavering love that keeps its people together. Running the Rift is a poignant and gripping tale of resilience, courage, and the power of hope.
About the Author
Naomi Benaron is a talented writer who was awarded the 2010 Bellwether Prize for her novel RUNNING THE RIFT, which will soon be published by Algonquin Books. In addition to her MFA from Antioch University and MS in earth sciences from Scripps Institute of Oceanography, she shares her expertise by teaching online through UCLA Extension Writers’ Program and the Afghan Women’s Writing Project.
Naomi is passionate about advocating for African refugees in her community and has worked closely with survivors of genocide in Rwanda. Her writing has been recognized with awards such as the G.
S. Sharat Chandra Prize for Short Fiction and the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition.
When she’s not writing or teaching, Naomi also participates in Ironman triathlons.
Editoral Review
Naomi Benaron’s Running the Rift is a beautifully written and emotionally charged novel that tells the story of a young Tutsi runner living in Rwanda during the country’s tumultuous civil war. The novel was first published on January 1, 2010, and has since garnered critical acclaim and several literary awards.
Benaron, an American novelist and poet, spent time in Rwanda in the early 2000s and was inspired to write this novel after hearing the stories of the survivors of the genocide. Running the Rift is a work of historical fiction that explores the themes of love, family, identity, and courage in the face of unspeakable violence.
The novel’s protagonist is Jean Patrick Nkuba, a promising young runner who dreams of one day competing at the Olympics. When civil unrest breaks out in Rwanda, Jean’s dreams are put on hold as he becomes embroiled in the conflict between the Tutsi and Hutu tribes.
As the violence intensifies, Jean must navigate a dangerous world where his Tutsi identity puts him in grave danger.
Benaron’s writing is vivid and lyrical, transporting readers to the Rwandan countryside with breathtaking descriptions of the landscape and its people.
The characters are well-drawn and complex, each with their own struggles and motivations. Jean is a particularly insightful and compelling protagonist, as he grapples with the tension between his dreams and the harsh realities of his country’s history.
Running the Rift is a politically charged novel that confronts the Rwandan genocide head-on, but its scope extends far beyond this dark period of history. The novel explores universal themes of love, loss, and resilience, making it a deeply affecting work of literature that speaks to readers everywhere.
Despite its many strengths, Running the Rift is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing of the novel can feel uneven, with some sections moving too slowly and others too quickly.
Additionally, some readers may find the violence and trauma depicted in the novel to be too intense for their tastes. Overall, Running the Rift is a powerful and moving novel that tells an important story about one of the most devastating periods of human history.
Naomi Benaron’s writing is stunningly beautiful, and her characters are unforgettable. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction, as well as those looking for an emotional and thought-provoking read.
Rating: 4/5
The rating criteria is based on the quality of writing, character development, pacing, plot structure, and themes. The novel loses one point due to its uneven pacing and the intensity of the violence portrayed.
However, the strengths of the novel far outweigh its limitations, making it a must-read for anyone interested in exploring themes of love, family, and courage in the face of adversity.
