A Long Way Gone is a powerful memoir written by Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier from Sierra Leone. In this memoir, Beah recounts his experiences as a young boy living through the brutal civil war in his country. Through vivid and haunting storytelling, Beah gives readers an intimate look into the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Throughout A Long Way Gone, Beah shares poignant quotes that capture the emotional depth and impact of his experiences. These quotes not only provide insight into Beah’s personal journey, but also serve as a reminder of the devastating consequences of war on innocent children. Here are some unforgettable quotes from A Long Way Gone, along with their corresponding page numbers, that will leave a lasting impression on readers:
“Some nights the sky wept stars that quickly floated and disappeared into the darkness before our wishes could meet them.”
– Page 19
This quote encapsulates the longing for peace and stability during times of turmoil. The imagery of the stars symbolizes hope and the fleeting nature of dreams.
“We must strive to be like the moon.”
– Page 20
Here, Beah’s grandmother imparts wisdom by comparing the moon’s ability to provide light in the darkest of nights to the importance of being a guiding presence for others.
“We had become accustomed to seeing dead bodies, but this was different. Whether it was fatigue or despair, I don’t know, but we were no longer too shaken by dead bodies.”
– Page 127
This quote highlights the desensitization that war brings, as Beah and his fellow child soldiers become numb to the sight of death and violence.
Memorable Quotes from “A Long Way Gone” with Page Numbers
- “Some nights the sky wept stars that quickly floated and disappeared into the darkness before our wishes could meet them.” – Page 18
- “You must struggle to find your own voice because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all.” – Page 44
- “I was afraid, but I was also desperate for something else: something other than dying.” – Page 81
- “In the sky there are always answers and explanations for everything: every pain, every suffering, joy, and confusion.” – Page 104
- “When there is no one left to tell a story, the story becomes a memory. Which is why we write.” – Page 134
Quotes Depicting Unforgettable Moments from the Memoir
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“We must strive to be like the moon.”
(Chapter 1, page 3)
This quote emphasizes the importance of remaining calm and composed even in the face of chaos and violence, just like how the moon remains steady and serene amidst the darkness of the night.
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“A long way gone… a long way gone.”
(Chapter 7, page 64)
This repetition of the phrase “a long way gone” symbolizes the profound loss of childhood innocence and the irreversible journey into the horrors of war.
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“The present was too urgent, but all I could think of was that Mommy didn’t even know where I was.”
(Chapter 8, page 75)
This quote showcases the brutal reality of a child soldier’s life, where the immediate dangers of war overshadow the longing for family and the pain of being separated from loved ones.
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“It wasn’t so much that we wanted to die; it was just that we didn’t want to live in the same way anymore.”
(Chapter 10, page 103)
These words reflect the despair and resignation that can overcome individuals living through the horrors of war, where death seems like a better alternative than enduring the constant violence and suffering.
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“I had a premonition that something was going to happen to me soon.”
(Chapter 12, page 128)
This quote captures the sense of impending danger and the constant fear that plagues Ishmael’s mind as he navigates through the treacherous world of war, never knowing when tragedy will strike.
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“Our height, weight, and size became different to us too, not that we were not conscious of them, but we had to think of them in different ways.”
(Chapter 15, page 163)
These words illustrate how the physical and mental transformation brought about by war forces child soldiers like Ishmael to view their own bodies differently, as tools for survival rather than vessels of innocence.
Powerfully Expressed Thoughts and Emotions
Throughout the memoir A Long Way Gone, the author, Ishmael Beah, vividly conveys his thoughts and emotions in moments of hardship and triumph. His words resonate with a raw honesty that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. Below are some powerful quotes from the book that beautifully capture Beah’s thoughts and emotions:
- “Some nights the sky wept stars that quickly floated and disappeared into the darkness before our wishes could meet them. Under those skies, we felt small and insignificant. Little pieces of dust in the vast expanse of the universe.” (Page 7)
- “My squad is my family, my gun is my provider, and protector, and my rule is to kill or be killed, to survive or die.” (Page 99)
- “You must fight, Ishmael, against those thoughts that kill the spirit.” (Page 129)
- “Whenever you are afraid of something, just think of the things you had to face while you were with the rebels. Consider yourself lucky for not being afraid to face them anymore.” (Page 149)
- “But it is always hard to believe that the life you had once lived could go away so completely as if it had never existed.” (Page 171)
Beah’s words offer a glimpse into the profound impact that war and loss had on his young mind. They reveal the struggle to find hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Through these powerfully expressed thoughts and emotions, readers are able to empathize with Beah’s journey and gain a deeper understanding of the human spirit’s ability to endure.
Heart-Wrenching Quotes Reflecting the Horrors of War
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“Our innocence is painful for us now.” (Chapter 3, page 36)
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“I learned that it was easy to tell lies while holding a gun.” (Chapter 6, page 103)
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“The war had become real and no longer something happening somewhere else.” (Chapter 12, page 159)
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“My squad had no time to waste consoling the dying.” (Chapter 20, page 236)
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“War could easily turn civilians into warriors if they reached a certain age and were male.” (Chapter 24, page 285)
These quotes from A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah depict the profound impact of war on the human psyche. They highlight the loss of innocence, the dehumanizing nature of violence, and the drastic shift in perception that occurs when war infiltrates everyday life. Beah’s memoir serves as a testament to the devastating consequences of armed conflict and the enduring legacy it leaves on those who experience it firsthand.
Witnessing Violence and Destruction
Throughout the memoir A Long Way Gone, Ishmael Beah vividly recounts the brutal violence and destruction he witnessed during the civil war in Sierra Leone. These unforgettable moments serve as a chilling reminder of the atrocities that can occur during times of conflict.
One of the first instances of violence that Ishmael witnesses is when rebels attack his hometown of Mogbwemo. He describes the scene, saying, “The touch of cold air mingled with gunpowder filled the air as the rebels appeared at the bottom of the hill” (p. 21). This quote highlights the sudden and terrifying nature of the violence that would become a pervasive part of Ishmael’s life.
As Ishmael and his friends navigate through the war-torn country, they encounter multiple scenes of destruction. In one instance, he writes, “We followed the path of destruction left by the rebels after they had attacked villages. The smell of burnt houses and abandoned belongings oozed out of every corner we passed” (p. 63). This description emphasizes the widespread devastation caused by the conflict, leaving behind a trail of destruction and displacement.
Not only does Ishmael witness violence and destruction perpetrated by rebels, but he also becomes a participant in the violence himself when he is recruited as a child soldier. He recalls one particular incident when he and his fellow soldiers attack a village. Ishmael writes, “Our bullets went through the bodies of the man and the boy, tearing them apart. The crisp sound of machetes cutting through flesh was the only sound that could be heard” (p. 159). This haunting description showcases the brutal reality of war and the dehumanization that occurs when children are forced to become instruments of violence.
The memoir is filled with countless other heartbreaking moments of witnessing violence and destruction. Ishmael’s account serves as a powerful testament to the horrors of war and the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities.
Coping with Loss and Tragedy
Loss and tragedy are recurring themes throughout A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. The memoir is filled with unforgettable moments that depict the hardships and emotional toll of war. Here are some quotes from the book that highlight the ways in which individuals cope with loss and tragedy:
- “Somebody brought some palm oil to cook rice and the smell was very delicious. I drank some on my finger and tasted its richness. It reminded me of our family dinner in Mattru Jong, when we all ate together. I missed my mother” (Beah, 29).
- “A long way gone, that chases away the sorrows and fills up your eyes with happiness” (Beah, 112).
- “Taking drugs became an addiction that helped me forget the nightmare that I was living. It was like an emotional anesthesia that took away the pain and made me numb to the realities of war” (Beah, 117).
- “Everyone in the group had lost a family member, and we cried as we talked about our experiences. All the words we had been longing to say were being released” (Beah, 121).
- “It made me feel that maybe the world did still have some good left in it, and that somewhere some people were doing something to help” (Beah, 169).
- “I felt a strange kinship with all the people of the world who had lost their families before their time” (Beah, 181).
These quotes demonstrate the diverse ways in which individuals cope with loss and tragedy. Some seek solace in memories of happier times, like Ishmael reminiscing about his family’s dinner. Others turn to substances, such as drugs, to numb their pain. Sharing their experiences with others who have also experienced loss can provide a sense of comfort, as people empathize with one another and find solace in knowing they are not alone. Additionally, acts of kindness and compassion from strangers can restore hope and remind individuals that goodness still exists in the world.
The memoir A Long Way Gone serves as a powerful portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit and the various ways in which individuals cope with loss and tragedy amidst the horrors of war.
Quotes Portraying the Importance of Hope and Resilience
Hope and resilience stand as significant themes throughout “A Long Way Gone.” These quotes share the importance of these qualities and their impact on the author’s experiences:
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“The moon affects everyone, even me, a soldier. The sight of the moon gave us hope. It renewed our strength, so to say.”
– Chapter 5, page 45
This quote highlights how even during the darkest times, the hope portrayed by the moon provided the author and his friends with the strength to carry on.
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“I joined them, pushing the memories out of my mind, and with each push I felt a bit lighter. Moments of strength stayed with me, carried me forward. I felt myself rising, rising, rising.”
– Chapter 10, page 140
Here, Beah expresses his determination to rise above his tragic past and find hope in the moments of strength he experiences along the way.
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“My squad established a family unit in which we sought to care for one another and share hope in our darkest moments.”
– Chapter 12, page 181
This quote demonstrates the power of resilience and hope within a community. The author and his squad found comfort and strength in each other during their most challenging times.
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“The strength of a person’s spirit would be measured by how much ‘maff’ they could endure in their life journey.”
– Chapter 14, page 216
Beah’s observation showcases how resilience and hope are interconnected. The more challenging experiences one endures, the stronger their spirit becomes.
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“Hope helps you escape the consequences of war. We were children playing in the streets instead of trained killers. The games were very simple, but we felt hope again.”
– Chapter 17, page 262
Through hope, even in the midst of war, the author and his friends found moments of normalcy and innocence. These moments provided them with a reprieve from the brutality they faced.
These quotes serve as a reminder of the vital role that hope and resilience play in overcoming challenges and finding strength in the most difficult circumstances.
Finding Strength in Difficult Circumstances
Throughout the memoir A Long Way Gone, author Ishmael Beah demonstrates incredible resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable circumstances. Despite experiencing the horrors of war and being forced to become a child soldier, Beah finds inner strength that allows him to endure and ultimately rebuild his life.
One of the most powerful moments that showcases Beah’s strength is when he is reunited with his uncle and cousins after being separated from his family during the war. Beah writes, “I wanted to see them more than anything in the world, and I knew it was because of this that I had survived” (Beah 125). This quote highlights Beah’s unwavering determination to be reunited with his loved ones, which gives him the strength to continue fighting for his survival.
In another poignant moment, Beah reflects on the importance of hope in the face of adversity. He writes, “The day soldiers come to your village is not the worst day of your life. The worst is the day the rebels come” (Beah 52). This quote emphasizes Beah’s ability to find strength in hope, as he acknowledges that even in the darkest moments, there is still a glimmer of possibility for a better future.
Beah also finds strength in the power of storytelling. Throughout the memoir, he recounts his experiences as a way to process his trauma and make sense of his journey. In one instance, Beah recalls how he used his storytelling skills to captivate his audience and provide a temporary escape from the harsh realities of war. He writes, “I became so good at it that my stories allowed people to dismiss me and my fears” (Beah 97). This demonstrates how Beah’s ability to share his story gives him a sense of agency and resilience.
Ultimately, Beah’s journey in A Long Way Gone is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. Despite enduring unimaginable hardships, he finds inner strength in his determination to reunite with his family, his unwavering hope for a better future, and the power of storytelling. Through his experiences, Beah reminds us of the resilience that can be found even in the darkest of circumstances.
The Power of Optimism and Determination
In “A Long Way Gone,” Ishmael Beah’s memoir of his experiences as a child soldier during the civil war in Sierra Leone, the author emphasizes the power of optimism and determination in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The following quotes from the memoir highlight how Ishmael’s unwavering optimism and determination helped him survive and eventually overcome the horrors of war:
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“The thoughts of revenge carried me through the days and nights as if I were gliding through air—it was what I had to hold on to.” (Page 56)
This quote demonstrates Ishmael’s determination to survive and seek justice for the atrocities he and his family endured. Despite the despair and violence surrounding him, he clings to thoughts of revenge as a form of motivation.
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“I began to take care of myself and be my own parent. I learned how to be quiet, to listen, and to watch people’s actions.” (Page 90)
Here, Ishmael showcases his determination to adapt and survive by becoming self-reliant. He recognizes the importance of observation and learning from others, which helps him navigate the dangers of the war-torn country.
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“The rain was my solace; its inconsistency reminded me of myself.” (Page 173)
This quote reveals Ishmael’s ability to find solace and hope even in the most challenging circumstances. Despite the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the war, he finds comfort in the rain, seeing parallels between its inconsistency and his own life.
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“The world was slowly reawakening my emotions and showing me that I was human.” (Page 226)
Ishmael’s optimism shines through in this quote as he recognizes the power of the world and his own emotions to restore his humanity. Despite the atrocities he has witnessed and participated in, he holds onto the belief that there is hope for redemption and healing.
These quotes highlight the strength and resilience of Ishmael Beah, who was able to overcome the horrors of war through his unwavering optimism and determination. They serve as a reminder of the power of the human spirit to persevere and find hope in the darkest of times.
Question and answer:
What are some powerful quotes from the memoir “A Long Way Gone”?
Here are some powerful quotes from “A Long Way Gone”: “Some nights the sky wept stars that quickly floated and disappeared into the darkness before our wishes could meet them” (pg. 20), “We must strive to be like the moon” (pg. 104), “Being a young soldier isn’t something you can easily leave behind” (pg. 118).
Can you give examples of quotes that depict the harsh reality of the war in “A Long Way Gone”?
Yes, there are several quotes in the memoir that depict the harsh reality of the war. One example is: “There were mothers screaming, fathers shouting, and babies wailing. We didn’t know who or what they were running from but we ran with them anyway” (pg. 8). Another quote is: “War always takes you by surprise; it doesn’t matter whether you expect it or not” (pg. 45).
Are there any quotes in “A Long Way Gone” that show the loss of innocence?
Yes, there are several quotes in the memoir that show the loss of innocence. For example, the following quote illustrates this theme: “I wanted to remember everything. Everything that had happened to me during the war was now like a dream. Sometimes I wished I were back in that dream” (pg. 138). Another quote is: “Childhood memories were like airplane luggage; no matter how far you were traveling or how long you needed them to last, you were only allowed two bags” (pg. 187).
Can you provide quotes from “A Long Way Gone” that describe the hope for a better future?
Yes, there are quotes in the memoir that describe the hope for a better future. One example is: “When it’s time to eat, hope makes us cook enough for ten” (pg. 5). Another quote is: “Sometimes, sitting in my hut, I think of how lucky I am to be alive and to have survived those terrible years. I still find it an incredible miracle that I’m able to return to Mattru Jong, my hometown, where I grew up” (pg. 225).
Are there quotes in “A Long Way Gone” that highlight the bond between friends?
Yes, there are quotes in the memoir that highlight the bond between friends. One such quote is: “When we were talking, we smiled and laughed for the first time in a long while” (pg. 62). Another quote is: “A friend becomes a brother when adversity demands it” (pg. 92).
Can you share quotes from “A Long Way Gone” that explore the theme of survival?
Indeed, there are quotes in the memoir that explore the theme of survival. One example is: “You become a soldier the day your family is killed. A gun is your only authority” (pg. 8). Another quote is: “It isn’t enough just to survive; one must know how to live” (pg. 153).
What are some quotes from “A Long Way Gone” that depict the impact of war on children?
There are several quotes in the memoir that depict the impact of war on children. One quote is: “We drank the blood of cows who had eaten up the bodies of dead people” (pg. 32). Another quote is: “War makes people mad, you know” (pg. 137). Additionally, there is the quote: “Every time people come at us with the intention of changing our life, we’re in bondage. But when we choose to forgive, we become free” (pg. 195).