IN THE SHADOW OF 10,000 HILLS is a sweeping family story that spans from the turmoil of Atlanta during the Civil Rights Movement through the struggle for reconciliation and forgiveness in post-genocide Rwanda. At the heart of this literary novel that crosses racial and cultural boundaries is the search for family on a personal and global level. In 1968, a disillusioned and heartbroken Lillian … and heartbroken Lillian Carlson left Atlanta after the assassination of Martin Luther King. She found meaning in the hearts of orphaned African children and cobbled together her own small orphanage in the Rift Valley alongside the lush forests of Rwanda.Three decades later, in New York City, Rachel Shepherd, lost and heartbroken herself, embarks on a journey to find the father who abandoned her as a young child, determined to solve the enigma of Henry Shepherd, a now-famous photographer.
When an online search turns up a clue to his whereabouts, Rachel travels to Rwanda to connect with an unsuspecting and uncooperative Lillian. While Rachel tries to unravel the mystery of her father’s disappearance, she finds unexpected allies in an ex-pat doctor running from his past and a young Tutsi woman who lived through a profound experience alongside her father. Set amongst the he backdrop of a grieving country, follow the intertwining stories of three women who discover something unexpected: grace when there can be no forgiveness.
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How does one create a novel out of the unspeakable horror that occurred in the mid-nineties in Rwanda? One way would be to look at it from the present, weaving in characters affected, directly or indirectly, by the genocide of some 800,000. Then create one character whose actions, whereabouts, and links to the other characters provide a mystery readers will want solved. Add to this some dazzling description that takes you from London to New York to the lushness of a Rwanda forest. Once pain, revenge, justice, and forgiveness are added, only one thing is missing: Heart. But in that, author Jennifer Haupt was most generous. Highly Recommended.
In the Shadow of 10,000 Hills is Jennifer Haupt’s debut novel. Haupt carefully weaves her settings (current Rwanda, the Rwanda of the 1994 genocide, the present United States, and the States during the 1960’s Civil Rights Movement), along with multiple points of view, into a rich tapestry that will hold you spellbound as the fabric forms beneath your eyes.
Four women have loved photographer Henry: Merilee, his ex-wife who dies of cancer; Rachel, the daughter he abandoned to seek his fortune; Lillian, the woman he loved though he married Merilee; Nadine, another daughter-figure. Three of these women end up in Rwanda together at Lillian’s farm where she raises orphans along with produce. Lillian, living her dream of helping the world one person at a time rather than in a large-scale movement, loves Henry but recognizes his limitations as a man and husband. Merilee, involved in EST, decides that divorcing Henry will transform her life. Nadine, a child Henry rescued during the genocide, must deal with her own traumatic experiences as well as Henry’s abandonment. Rachel seeks relief from the grief of her second miscarriage and searching for answers as to why her father left her.
In addition, an American physician, Tucker, grieves for his lost wife and carries the burden of co-parenting with Lillian, a child with HIV named Rose.
Against the backdrop of the Rwandan hills, these diverse characters, while attempting to heal themselves, form a multi-cultural family while their nation copes with the ugly remnants of the genocide.
In the Shadow of 10,000 Hills is extraordinary, rising slowly to an intense, satisfying peak. Moving and powerful, this book deals with universal conditions of humanity: love, abandonment, loss, grief, starting over, finding your true self, finding amahoro or peace, the devastating effects of violence, fear, and vengeance. I finished this book then immediately started it again.
An epic, yet poetic look at love, loss, multi-generational secrets and turmoil, and yes, genocide and the search for hope, healing, forgiveness and peace. A deeply moving story.
This narrative is written flawlessly as it weaves through each and every character’s lives spanning the globe from New York, Atlanta, London and on to Rawanda.
You will find yourself experiencing all emotions as this story pulls you with ease throughout its pages. The scenery is impeccably described and its main characters are written as lovable and strong. The beauty within this story is balanced wonderfully all the while dealing with difficult subject matter, the crimes against humanity.
It is an exceptional, powerful and thoughtful read…..one in which I believe you will find yourself holding close to your heart as you turn each and every page.
I thank Jennifer Haupt personally for my signed copy of this incredibly touching story, one that has had a lasting impact……one I know I’m not soon to forget.
Novels & Latte Book Club
Wild Sage Book Blog
This is a beautifully written book with 10,000 turns and twists as the characters find their way through grief to acceptance in Rwanda.
Simply a must read…difficult at times but as historical fiction it goes through the plight of Rwanda. Fabulous character development.
It is always good to read something that reminds us of how brave and courageous people are and how they can pick themselves up in situations that we did not have to deal with in the first place.
Loved it! Learned much about Rawanda and the history and survivors of the massacre.Great characters and interesting story.
Very moving about the characters and Rwanda. Highly recommend it. Will read again.
Beautifully written. Reminiscent of Beryl Markham’s writings.
My review might not be all that great. Maybe at one point I should try a re-read. I read it in intervals and have to admit that at times I got lost. One time we are in England, the next time back in Africa (Rwanda), one time it relates to the past but then we jump back to the present, so I found it somewhat confusing. Sorry. The book I would recommend is: One Hundred and Four Horses by Mandy Retzlaff. That book truly deals with the love of Rwanda by these two settlers and the slow disintegration of thriving farms as the regime starts confiscating and at times even killing these hardworking folks.
There are few books about the contemporary genocide in Rawanda and none about the connection to racial tragedy in the US and the reconciliation. It is inspirational in that it demonstrates that reconciliation and healing can be accomplished by a group and by individuals.
An incredible read of what racial biases and hate can do to communal society that both informed about the Rwandan genocide and grabbed your heart to live with the victims and survivors.
I learned so much about the human spirit and how we can perservere.
I thought it was just okay. Had a little trouble following it with all the characters.
Excellent story keeping with the story of Rowanda’s genocide.
The confusion, frustration and fears that each character struggles with in progressing their experience relative to their relationships is insightful and challenging.
Though the early chapters were a little convoluted because of intertwining of different lives and times, I became totally engrossed In this story dealing with tragic conplications during a time in Rwanda’s history of ethnic cleansing. Truly compelling.
OK… dragged in parts
Jennifer Haupt brings together the stories of characters caught in a picture together during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s with the Genocide in Rwanda in the 1990s. In using multiple time periods, Jennifer educates the reader, makes them feel the brutal genocide that took place in Rwanda while having her characters find forgiveness, redemption, and hope by the end of her story. A must read! Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.