Books Beyond Despair: The Rwanda Genocide against the Tutsi through the Eyes of Children Author: Hélène Dumas Translated by: Catherine Porter

Beyond Despair by Hélène Dumas is a powerful and emotionally resonant exploration of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, told through the voices of its youngest witnesses. Drawing from extensive fieldwork and archival testimonies, Dumas presents a narrative that is both intimate and harrowing, foregrounding the experiences of children who survived unimaginable violence.

Through these firsthand accounts, the book reveals:

????️ The psychological and emotional impact of genocide on children

????️ How young survivors articulate trauma, loss, and resilience

???? The role of testimony in preserving memory and shaping justice

???? The unique lens children offer in understanding mass violence and its aftermath

???? Broader questions of historical responsibility, healing, and post-genocide reconciliation

Translated by Catherine Porter and introduced by anthropologist Louisa Lombard, the book bridges scholarly rigor with deep empathy. Dumas does not sensationalize; instead, she allows the children’s voices to guide the reader through a landscape of grief, survival, and the fragile hope of rebuilding.

For Kenyan readers—especially educators, youth advocates, and peacebuilders—Beyond Despair offers critical insights into the long-term effects of violence on children and the importance of listening to young voices in truth-telling and healing processes. It resonates with ongoing efforts to address trauma, promote reconciliation, and empower youth across post-conflict communities in Africa.