I lived to tell the world Stories from survivors of Holocaust, genocide, and the atrocities of war

Elizabeth Mehren

Book - 2024

"As Americans increasingly question how each of us fits into our nation's cultural tapestry, I Lived to Tell the World presents thirteen inspiring profiles of refugees who have settled in Oregon. They come from Rwanda, Myanmar, Bosnia, Syria, and more-different stories, different conflicts, but similar paths through loss and violence to a new, not always easy, life in the United States. The in-depth profiles are drawn from hours of interviews and oral histories; journalist Elizabeth Mehren worked collaboratively with the survivors to honor the complexity of their experiences and to ensure that the stories are told with, and not just about, them. Mehren also weaves in historical, cultural, and political context alongside these pers...onal stories of resilience. Together, these portraits of individual courage and tenacity illuminate darker themes of human cruelty, political tyranny, and hatred based on race and religion. The stories invite readers to take stock of their own life experiences and to view newcomers to America with an enlightened perspective-and with renewed respect. At a time when more states are implementing curricula for Holocaust and genocide education and more Americans are paying attention to issues around refugees, immigration, and racial justice, I Lived to Tell the World shines a light on Oregonians living purposeful and productive lives despite their painful pasts. Their experiences humanize atrocities described in daily headlines while offering a universal message of hope."-- more