Daniel's Reviews > God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir

I have some really mixed opinions here. Take a quick look at the general tone of ratings and reviews on this book, and you will arrive at the unmistakable conclusion that this is a profoundly moving book. I agree wholeheartedly. The story of the Lost Boys of Sudan is powerful and tragic, and this first-person retelling of those events carries a moral weight that can't easily be denied. What fuels my mixed response is the close-mindedness that occupies the latter parts of the book.

The first half or so was an incredible reading experience. Before the militia attacks and subsequent march to relative safety are recounted, we are given a broad overview of the geography, climate, history and culture of the area of southern Sudan inhabited by the Dinka. From there, we plunge directly into the harrowing experience of wandering through swamp and desert in an effort to escape and survive. Some of these stories are beyond incredible, such as when the author hides in swamp water with only his nostrils above water while an enemy soldier urinates almost directly on him without ever seeing him. The reading is simply riveting, and yet you can't help but feel some despair that such widescale horrors could happen without the world standing up to take notice.

As the book winds to its conclusion, though, the narrative begins to include more and more elements of pontification. Dau's view of the world is very cut and dry. There is right and wrong, and very little between. There are many cringeworthy comments about religion and gender where I was frankly surprised that National Geographic didn't bring out the editing pens. I suppose it lends an element of cultural authenticity, but my personal appreciation of the material took a steep nosedive. There ends up being too much preaching to the choir—a difficult proposition when you're not singing from the same songsheet.

Overall, there is much to be admired here. The underlying story of the Lost Boys of Sudan has an immediacy that really does make this worth the read. Just be prepared for a memoir back-loaded with an awful lot of cultural baggage.