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The Bite of the Mango

By: Mariatu Kamara, Susan McClelland
Narrated by: Jessica Almasy
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Publisher's summary

The astounding story of one girl's journey from war victim to UNICEF Special Representative. As a child in a small rural village in Sierra Leone, Mariatu Kamara lived peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Rumors of rebel attacks were no more than a distant worry. But when 12-year-old Mariatu set out for a neighboring village, she never arrived. Heavily armed rebel soldiers, many no older than children themselves, attacked and tortured Mariatu. During this brutal act of senseless violence, they cut off both of her hands.

Stumbling through the countryside, Mariatu miraculously survived. The sweet taste of a mango, her first food after the attack, reaffirmed her desire to live, but the challenge of clutching the fruit in her bloodied arms reinforced the grim new reality that stood before her. With no parents or living adult to support her and living in a refugee camp, she turned to begging in the streets of Freetown.In this gripping and heartbreaking true story, Mariatu shares with readers the details of the brutal attack, its aftermath, and her eventual arrival in Toronto. There, she began to pull together the pieces of her broken life with courage, astonishing resilience and hope.

©2008 Mariatu Kamara, Susan McClelland (P)2011 Audible, Inc.
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Critic reviews

"Written with journalist McClelland, her story is deeply personal yet devoid of self-pity. As it aims to correct misperceptions about Sierra Leone and to raise awareness of the needs of child victims of war, this book will unsettle readers - and then inspire them with the evidence of Mariatu's courage." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about The Bite of the Mango

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Tenacious

Raw honesty and family values. The world can be awful but our attitude and how we react are powerful.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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inspring

Would you listen to The Bite of the Mango again? Why?

yes, it is a lot to take in in one go!

What did you like best about this story?

i like this ladies determination even as a young girl after going through so much hardship still had so much ambition for her own life

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, obnoxious narration

Would you listen to The Bite of the Mango again? Why?

No, I used the audio as a companion to the text in an Intensive Reading course I teach. The students complained about the bizarre breathiness of the narration and after hearing it 5 times a day for weeks, I found myself hating the voice as well!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Bite of the Mango?

After the first chapter, the action picks up and keeps you engrossed in the story line. The surprise after Mariatu's hands are cut off and she's hospitalized is beyond shocking. It's a compelling story of survival, hope and forgiveness.

Would you be willing to try another one of Jessica Almasy’s performances?

No.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

The book was an incredible read, but a horrible listen.

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  • Overall
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Great story; well narrated and heart wrenching.

I really enjoyed this story. Very touching and uplifting - looking forward to more from Miss Kamara.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Worse narrator I have ever listened to

This narrator almost caused me to stop listening ... She seems disingenuous and her performance sounds contrived.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Human Spirit trumps Tragedy

Where does The Bite of the Mango rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is a very touching human story of triumph over tragedy. A very good listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is the story of Mariatu's life as she was touched by the most violent and the most compassionate of human spirits. She of course is the favourite character but she is shaped by all those who helped her survive.

Have you listened to any of Jessica Almasy’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not listened to any of her performances before; I did however find her voice a bit annoying.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It is a very emotional book. It shows the best and the worst of humanity and as it is a true story it is heartwarming that good triumphs over evil. It also shows the strength of the human spirit and its will to survive.

Any additional comments?

Another amazing story from a war torn country. For anyone who has always lived in a developed, "first world", peaceful, stable and democratic country, stories like this are quite unbelieveable. Most of us just cannot comprehend that this kind of thing happens, at least not in our lifetime. If you liked books like "A Long Way Gone" or "Left to Tell", you will like this book.

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2 people found this helpful

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Very compelling & innocence lost

The is a heart felt story of young Mariatu. Her growing up I. War torn Sierra Leon, he love of family, the terror and loss of war and the fight for a voice. Written from the words of a child it is very sweet and it will break your heart, but you will laugh and feel her triumph.

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Powerful Truth

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would absolutely recommend this book, audiobook. Perfectly writen and well read.

What other book might you compare The Bite of the Mango to and why?

I would compare this book with A thousand Splendid Suns, because it is both about girls who try to survive the extremity in the world.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me cry and want to stand up and do something to change the world, even though just a little bit.

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What a brave woman, I admire greatly!

Great book, held my attention the whole way through, she's experienced many hardships and overcome a ton of obstacles in life. Great read, can't wait to hear her in person at our school in 2 weeks time! ☺

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Sweetly told -- What is a President?

I'm ashamed to say that I had no idea about this country, about this war, this violence, these people, this particular hope for a better future. I am so glad I listened to this story about a girl who kept on surviving.

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1 person found this helpful