A Long Way Gone Study Guide

A Long Way Gone Summary

A Long Way Gone begins in Ishmael Beah's early youth in 1993. A twist of fate leads Beah (along with his older brother and two friends) to leave their home village to practice for a talent competition in a nearby town on the eve of an attack by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) on his home village of Mogbwemo. From that moment, chaos envelops Beah's life as he seeks news of his family and survival for himself and his companions.

Early in the RUF assaults, Beah learns of the rebels' horrific actions mostly through hearsay and rumor. He spends the first few chapters of the book attempting to find his way home but when he learns "home" has been wiped out, he seeks information about his family's well-being. Beah, his brother Junior, and his…

Read the full A Long Way Gone Summary

Study Guide for A Long Way Gone

A Long Way Gone Essays and Related Content

Recent Questions for A Long Way Gone

Posted By tessa a #324223 at May 19, 2013 7:11 PM

How did Ishmael Beah's grandmother explain the local adage that "we must strive like the moon"? why does he remember it fom his childhood?

What does it mean to him. In chapter 1

A Long Way Gone | Answers: 1

Posted By jeanna e #323673 at May 16, 2013 8:19 PM

how does Ishmael's concept of family change throughout the memoir?

from his early life to the uncle with whom he is reunited to his american family

A Long Way Gone | Answers: 1

Posted By taa n #320965 at May 07, 2013 2:10 PM

Explain the experiences of Ishmael and put them in context with the struggle for colonial independence and the struggles after independence many of the West African countries went through or are going through?

Just a brief answer would be fine

A Long Way Gone | Answers: 2