Land of a Thousand Hills

My Life in Rwanda

By: Rosamond Halsey Carr, Ann Halsey Howard - contributor

Narrated by: C. M. Hébert

Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

When Rosamond Halsey Carr first arrived in Africa, she didn't realize that she would spend the rest of her life there. As a young fashion illustrator living in New York City in the 1940s, she seemed the least likely candidate for such a life of adventure. But marriage to a hunter-explorer took her to what was then the Belgian Congo, and divorce left her determined to stay on in neighboring Rwanda as the manager of a flower plantation. In the ensuing half century she witnessed the fall of colonialism, the wars for independence, the loss of her friend, Dian Fossey, the relentless clashes of the Hutus and Tutsis, and, finally, 1994's horrific genocide, of which she provides an unparalleled first-hand account. This is the epic story of a woman alone in an exotic land, struggling to survive untold hardships only to emerge with an extraordinary love for her adopted country and its people.

©2000 Rosamond Halsey Carr (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

inspiring, sad, worthwhile read

This book is worth the time to read. Main character is a hero. inspiring story of her life in Rwanda, culminating in her ministry to the children following the genocide in 1994. Great insights into the life of an ex-pat chasing her dreams.

amazing book

It was great! There was a lot of history but it is a powerful story. A book I will remember.

Brilliant, fascinating, a true education on Rwanda

This magnificently written and narrated book was an eye-opener about life in Rwanda from 1949 - 1985. The author -- wise, curious, loving and accepting -- came to love the Rwandan people, as they in turn loved her. Her account of the joys and sorrows shared in this beautiful land with these remarkable people is deeply moving. This was an ideal way for me to learn about life past and present in Rwanda.

Great reading overall

Great stories in general. However, the author should have recognized that they knew little about The history of Rwanda or Congo and the genocide against the Tutsi in particular. Her account of rwandan independance and congolese independance is also far from the truth. It particularly infuriating to label the hero of congo decolonization, Patrice Lumumba, as a bad guy because he wanted his country unified and free from belgian tyrany. Great work overall. RIP Rosy

Not to be forgotten

Having lived in Africa I love learning more about this continent full of mysteries and cultures to be encountered. This is the story of a very special woman who lived in Rwanda for decades and truly became part of it’s culture. She experienced part of the genocide and finds a way to tell the story that cannot be told because of it’s cruelty. For everyone who wants to know more about the background of the Rwanda of today this is a must read.

A moving detailed history of Rwanda: 1949-1999

Provides important insight into the history of Rwanda and a larger context for the 1994 genocide. Also includes a full, complex portrait of researcher, Diane Fossey, and a portrait of White colonial and postcolonial experience in Rwanda. I was surprised by the portrayal of Congolese liberation figure, Patrice Lumumba, and plan to research more on him to determine the accuracy of the anti-Lumumba sentiment.

Well worth the read. Wished it was even longer.

What an incredible woman!

This is a fascinating life story and a first person account of life in Rwanda through most of the 20th century.

Great book and a great reader.

i loved this book. Mrs. Car had an amazing life. And the reader was very good.

Amazing Life! Wonderful Person!

This story was amazing. I was unfamiliar with the life of Ms. Carr. She lived such an incredible life. I learned so much about the History of Rwanda (both good and bad) and the surrounding area. I would highly recommend this book.

Loved this book

This book was so beautifully written and read. I didn’t want it to end and I’m left wanting to give to the author’s charitable work. I learned so much about the awful killing and political struggles in Africa. I generally avoid political issues because I find them tedious and impossible to fathom -ultimately unsolvable…but the author’s experience and involvement made it more relatable for me.
I loved this book.