A Voice in the Darkness

Memoir of a Rwandan Genocide Survivor

By: Jeanne Lakin, Paul Lakin

Narrated by: Sara Van Beckum

Length: 10 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1994, Jeanne Celestine, a young Rwandan schoolgirl, was living a quiet life in the countryside when the death of Rwanda’s president provoked a 100-day extermination of over one million ethnic Tutsis. She survived by hiding from violent militiamen all the while caring for her three-year-old twin sisters, Teddy and Teta.

This inspirational narrative reveals the mind of an innocent child, who, in the face of humanity’s most hideous act, not only managed to preserve her life and the lives of her sisters, but also to restore her voice in the wake of its immense darkness.

©2018, 2020, 2021 Jeanne Celestine Lakin (P)2021 Jeanne Celestine Lakin

Couldn’t put it down

Just finished this incredible memoir. Listened whenever I could for three straight days because I needed to hear the whole terrifying, yet compelling story. Such an important one to be told right now with all that is going on in this world.

Inspiration after Devastation

I am so happy this book came to Audible. I listened to it while I was at work and had to hold back the tears of Jeanne’s story. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi was real and it was devastating.
Jeanne wrote her story with incredible details and gave a voice to those who suffered. Jeanne was able to answer some of my questions I had regarding Rwanda’s history, as well as the aftermath of the Genocide against Tutsi.
The narrator did a fantastic job at pronouncing words that were in the author’s native language: Kinyarwanda.
With Jeanne’s writing and Sara’s narration, I felt like I was experiencing this heartbreaking tragedy. Of course, I’ll never be able to fully grasp what Jeanne went through. I appreciate her determination for a better life and retaining a strong relationship with God.
Murakoze Jeanne for opening up your heart and sharing your story.

Well worth reading

This is a must read for anyone born in a peaceful country. Jeanne brilliantly recalls the details of her family life before and leading up to the genocide. Her story helps the reader to appreciate the tremendous heartache and great joy she experienced, and the needs of other Rwandan orphans.

Couldn’t put it down!

Eye opening, Riveting, heartbreaking, hope filled, God filled - definitely recommend this book. It’s at times hard to read, but then you have to. Knowing Jeanne survived, and not only survived, but has thrived because of the grace of God made me read further. Tears, smiles, joy so many emotions in this book. It has caused my heart to shift and think differently - I hope - when setting and hearing of things like this happening.

Powerful story

This story had a huge impact on me. Her story and experience shed light on the events that happened in Rwanda and how she persevered. Highly recommend this book.

Rising out of horror

My audiobook pace has slowed over the past year, but I am so glad I made room for this memoir. A Voice in the Darkness was horrifying and gut-wrenching yet sweet and touching at the same time. I kept marveling at the strength of mind and character Jeanne possessed and still possesses; it is almost unbelievable that after what she went through--at age 9, mind you--that she was able to write her story, and write it so well. I sometimes take a while to get through books, but not this one. I was obsessed with the story, and even though I knew she survived, the horror and fear was palpable. Jeanne's writing is excellent, but the narration by Sara Van Beckum gave the story movement and heart. Her narration was perfect--never intrusive or overly dramatic, and pitched to match each scene.

I highly recommend this memoir of the Rwandan genocide, both because it's a story the world should not forget, and because Jeanne Lakin's strength of character and human dignity were not broken under circumstances that few would survive, never mind enough to build a new life.

My heart!

I met Jeanne at my daughter's college. She helped her with accommodations for dyscalculia. The last year, I've been reading more memoirs so when I stepped into her office and saw the memoir on her shelf, it caught my eye. I didn't realize it was her on the cover until she told me. I figured since I'd met the author, I should check it out. In the past. I'd stayed away from memoirs because they can be so raw and I hate being emotional. Jeanne's story was definitely that. Oh, how my heart hurts for her and her family and everyone affected by the genocide on both sides. I think it's incredible how she acknowledged the impact killing had on those who killed and how she sought to forgive them. She forgave those who betrayed her and her family, the men who raped her. and people who, instead of caring for her as they should've, took advantage of her. I am amazed at her faith in God and her gratitude for His presence throughout her life. I can clearly see she heard the Voice of God guiding her. What a testament to His existence and love for His children. I marvel that almost all of her immediate family survived. I'm overjoyed she found her Love and found family. I feel blessed to have heard Jeanne's story.

I'm in awe!

What horrors are in this story. God held you in His hands the entire way. I am so happy you are there to share your story to what could have been another "body" on that hillside. Thank you for allowing the readers to walk along side of your journey.

Incredible and Inspiring

Jeanne's genocide survival story is a must-listen-to audiobook and stirs every primal emotion for the listener: Rage, fear, grief, humiliation, hope, and awe. It’s a harrowing tale that balances details of the dark and unthinkable acts of crime against humanity with the beautiful light of Jeanne’s bravery and the unbreakable human spirit. This audiobook is brilliantly & authentically narrated by Sara Van Beckum and will have a long-lasting effect on me.

Absolutely powerful!!!

This book was absolutely incredible from beginning to end! The author is very detailed concerning her experience! I experienced a range of emotions from, anger, sadness, disdain, compassion, to extreme joy. The narrator does an excellent job, as well, articulating the story! Wonderful book!