89 pages • 2 hours read
Clemantine Wamariya, Elizabeth WeilThe Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Girl Who Smiled Beads is a memoir by Clemantine Wamariya, co-authored by Elizabeth Weil, that alternates between Wamariya's harrowing escape from the Rwandan genocide at age six with her sister Claire, their journey through seven African countries, and her struggles to adapt in America after moving there in 2000. Wamariya navigates the dehumanizing aspects of refugee life and the exploitation of her pain in America while seeking to reconnect with her family and her transformed identity.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil has been lauded for its raw, compelling narrative that chronicles Wamariya's harrowing journey from Rwandan refugee to American citizen. Critics praise its powerful storytelling and emotional depth. Some note its nonlinear structure can be challenging, but overall, it’s a poignant and inspiring memoir.
Who Should Read The Girl Who Smiled Beads?
A reader who would enjoy The Girl Who Smiled Beads by Clemantine Wamariya and Elizabeth Weil is interested in memoirs, social justice, and personal narratives of resilience. Fans of I Am Malala and Becoming would appreciate this poignant tale of survival and hope amidst the Rwandan genocide.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
800L