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Becoming A Child Soldier In Ishmael's A Long Way Gone

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In the historic memoir, A Long Way Gone, Ishmael documents his experiences of becoming a child soldier in the war struck country, Sierra Leone. Beah flashes back to his life in Mogbwemo where his family, including his brother, Junior and his friends, Mohamed and Talloi were all content with the life they were living. One thing he shared in common with all of them was their fascination with rap music. Rap was their form of happiness despite their never-ending fear of being attacked. Unfortunately, as the boys and Ishmael went to participate in a talent show, the rebel army returned to Mogbwemo without a given warning and began shooting all villagers in site. In this ‘life or death’ situation, many families were separated and were forced to leave their belongings for the sake of living and successfully escaping their home. …show more content…
Despite their quick feet and motivation to run fast, the rebel army continuously threatened their survival and attempted to capture them. Throughout the many days of hiding out and seeking shelter and suffering through starvation, the boys eventually lead themselves into a village controlled by the government. Negotiations wouldn’t let these boys just settle down and hope for the best in this violent war. In order for them to use this village for shelter and food, the boys had to participate in the war and initially become child soldiers for the government army. Being accustomed to killing and having the strength to perform this action was what these children had to face and it was something that ultimately became their biggest

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