Leah Chishugi grew up in eastern Congo but, aged seventeen, she moved to Kigali, the Rwandan capital, to work as a model. She married and had a son. Then in 1994 she was caught up in the horrific conflict, and escaped only after being left for dead under a pile of corpses. She fled with her son to Uganda, then South Africa where she was miraculously reunited with her husband whom she believed dead. Leah finally settled in the UK where she was granted asylum and became a nurse. After her mother died, Leah decided to set up a charity to help the women and children of eastern Congo - victims of continuing war atrocities. A LONG WAY FROM PARADISE is a deeply courageous narrative of one woman's survival of personal trauma and finding a greater purpose in life through devotion to the service of others.

About the Author

Leah Chishugi grew up in eastern Congo before moving to Rwanda. In 1994 she was caught up in the conflict but managed to escape to Uganda, and later South Africa and the UK where she was granted asylum.

Prizes

Inspirational and moving memoir about a woman who survived the Rwandan genocide.

Reviews

"A powerful and courageous story." --"New African"