A Long Way Gone

Sierra Leone is where much of the story takes place. In the midst of internal fighting, Ishmael is thrust into the machinery of war. He is a child soldier fighting for the government forces. After Beah is liberated by UNICEF, he enters a long road to emotional recovery. Beah learns of an opportunity to speak to the United Nations and strives to obtain one of two spots on the delegation to be sent from Sierra Leone to New York City. Through perseverence, Beah obtains the position and is flown to the United States to address the UN in person. He marvels at New York City by night and is trained to better tell his story by day. Eventually, he speaks before the General Assembly, moving the UN delegates to take action condemning the RUF and seeking to aid the people of Sierra Leone.