
Don't Look Back
A Memoir of War, Survival, and My Journey from Sudan to America
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Narrated by:
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Nedra Marie Taylor
About this listen
In this propulsive memoir from Achut Deng and Keely Hutton, inspired by a harrowing New York Times article, Don't Look Back tells a powerful story showing both the ugliness and the beauty of humanity, and the power of not giving up.
I want life.
After a deadly attack in South Sudan left six-year-old Achut Deng without a family, she lived in refugee camps for ten years, until a refugee relocation program gave her the opportunity to move to the United States. When asked why she should be given a chance to leave the camp, Achut simply told the interviewer: I want life.
But the chance at starting a new life in a new country came with a different set of challenges. Some of them equally deadly. Taught by the strong women in her life not to look back, Achut kept moving forward, overcoming one obstacle after another, facing each day with hope and faith in her future. Yet, just as Achut began to think of the US as her home, a tie to her old life resurfaced, and for the first time, she had no choice but to remember her past.
A Macmillan Audio production from Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
©2022 Achut Deng and Keely Hutton (P)2022 Macmillan AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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What listeners say about Don't Look Back
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- HRHdotp
- 10-10-23
Must read
There are not enough stars to review this book. This is a must read. Difficult to continue at times and most wonderful joy at other times.
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- Nanny lew
- 12-24-22
Compelling
My heart goes out to achut and to so many refugees whose equally compelling stories inspire me.
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- oiuser@worldnet.att.net
- 01-25-23
Triumphant
Achut is a remarkable woman who will continue to inspire through example and storytelling. Her presence, like that of other people from many nations, makes our country more beautiful and strong. She’s a survivor and a gift! Thank you, Achut.
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- Chuck
- 10-31-22
Very powerful story
This book was very gripping. I simply could not stop listening to it. I had to continue listening to hear how it all ended. It brought tears to my eyes and smiles to my face as I listened to struggles and joyous moments that Achut went through on her journey to America.
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- Kindle Customer
- 02-10-23
incredible book....I couldn't put it down
Wow....just wow. I haven't left a review in years but had to for this amazing story of triumph. beautifully written and detailed...I felt like I was journeying with Akot as she endured and overcame.
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- Terri
- 12-31-23
Absolutely fantastic!
Brutal to hear, but so touching! I will recommend this book to all my friends.
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- Aria Sorenson
- 06-05-24
A book everyone should read
I can't recommend this book enough. Achut Deng is an inspiration and her story is important and heart wrenching. I'm so glad I heard about this book through the Wiser World Podcast so I could read/listen to it. (The narrator did a wonderful job as well)
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