Strength in What Remains

Tracy Kidder is a Pulitzer-winning author as well as a figure in this narrative. He narrates Deo’s life story from childhood into the present (2006). Effectually, he functions as a mouthpiece for Deo, communicating to the reader and demonstrating how difficult it is for an ordinary Western observer to understand what Deo has endured. Kidder demonstrates that one can gain understanding through perseverance: He accompanies Deo to Burundi and Rwanda, visiting official and unofficial memorial sites as well as Deo’s home.

Among Deo’s family members, Lonjino—Deo’s grandfather—is the figure Deo most admired and respected. Lonjino sternly deals with his grandson at times—like making him drink warm milk to the point of sickness for making mistakes. Lonjino also acts in admirable kindness; he nearly sold a cow Deo loved but recanted the sale when he saw how upset this made his grandson. His tumultuous history has not hardened him as one might expect. Lonjino was a peaceful person who died during the conflict in Burundi.

One of the first people who takes an interest in Deo after he moves to America, Sharon is a former nun who continues to live a nun-like life, working at the St. Thomas More cathedral. Deo meets her while delivering groceries, and she helps him set up a free doctor’s appointment. She is kind-hearted, generous, and extremely persistent in finding help for people in need; however, she and Deo still have some awkward moments, as she can be patronizing and, because he is malnourished and barely hanging onto life when she meets him, she assumes Deo has AIDS. Sharon has a strange, other-worldly personality befitting her selfless behavior. 

The Wolfs are a well-to-do couple who meet Deo through Sharon McKenna and take Deo into their home, allowing him to live there prior to the onslaught of his first New York City winter and for several subsequent years. Charlie is a former sociology professor who worked in Nigeria to set up a school and now does consulting work on policy with clients including African nations. As an educator interested in reform and social justice—and furthermore as someone who has worked in Africa—Charlie is an ideal connection for Deo. Charlie helps Deo learn English and encourages Deo’s passion for education and interest in returning to school.