Assessment:
Plot: In this perfectly plotted memoir, the emotional journey of Innocent keeps the reader engaged. A quick and captivating story.
Prose: Solid, clear, and crisp prose paired with a fascinating tale make this an compelling read.
Originality: While there are other memoirs about similar subject matter, Innocent's journey—and its message of hope—feels fresh and vital.
Character Development: Innocent is well developed and feels real to readers.Throughout the memoir, he gains knowledge from his experiences and puts that knowledge to good use.
Date Submitted: June 22, 2017
The Biography Shelf
Critique: A deeply personal biography that reads with all the dramatic narrative of a novel, "Innocent: A Spirit of Resilience" is a compelling, thoughtful and thought-provoking read from beginning to end. While very highly recommended, especially for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Innocent: A Spirit of Resilience" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).
"Innocent: A Spirit of Resilience by Kevin McLaughlin and Opwonya Innocent is set against the backdrop of the unrest in northern Uganda three years after Opwonya Innocent was born, which was amid the escalating war. His father was wrongfully convicted of treason and imprisoned, hence he could not be present for Opwonya’s birth. The book chronicles Opwonya's journey, his struggles, the trauma he faced, and how it paved the way for him to help and heal others from their pain, thereby giving them hope that enabled them to make meaningful and positive changes in their lives.
The book is honest and Opwonya’s story is uplifting and will give readers hope, determination, courage, and perseverance. The story is also motivating, encouraging readers to give up anger and bitterness and work towards a peaceful existence. The narration is detailed, making the scenes vivid, and the pictures shared in the book give clarity to the words and surroundings. The story will also make many of us be grateful for our own lives as it throws light on the many others who live in dangerous and calamitous surroundings. Opwonya Innocent’s journey toward earning a graduate degree, reopening an orphanage, and making a positive impact on the future generations of Ugandans make the book an engaging and compelling read. The story will draw readers in and give them the feeling of personally knowing Opwonya Innocent. What needs to be appreciated is the way that Opwonya Innocent refuses to be depressed and disappointed by the hardships he faces, though they were not chosen by him." -Reviewed and rated "5 Stars" Mamta Madhavan, Readers’ Favorite
