Thirty Girls

This is a historical fiction novel (my favorite genre) about a group of girls kidnapped from a Catholic school in Africa by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA). The school nun went after them and managed to convince a commander to let some go. She had to choose the thirty that had to stay. Minot weaves the story of the girls in through the story of a thirty something single woman, Jane, who has come to Africa to write a story on the girls. Jane is trying to find herself and has some interactions that become defining moments in her life.

This novel is captivating. Haunting. Lovely language and use of words if a bit pretentiousness at times. The ending is a big surprise, which I always like even if it's heartbreaking.

The character development was masterfully crafted. Minot gave you enough emotion and fondness for the characters to be invested about what happens so that you continue to read the story. But not so much that when one of the main characters have something tragic happen that you are devastated. It was a good balance. Especially considering the heaviness of the rest of the book.

Rated R though for sex and violence. And for the tragedy of what has happened in Africa over the years and continues to happen.

I highly recommend this book to open your eyes to the capacity the LRA has and the evil done to man. And because it's a unique and interesting book. But mostly for the resilience of people. This is one of those books that will stay with me a long while.