Unusual Normality, by Ishmael Beah

Name: Unusual Normality, by Ishmael Beah
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Author: Alice Edwards

"Unusual Normality" by Ishmael Beah is a memoir about his life as a child soldier in Sierra Leone. It shows war’s horrors alongside hope, resilience, and the human spirit’s strength amid trauma.

Alice Edwards

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"Unusual Normality," by Ishmael Beah
Ina nutshell
"Unusual Normality” by Ishmael Beah is a story about the author's experiences as a child soldier during a
civil war in Sierra Leone. Beah describes the brutality of war and the difficult choices he had to make to
survive. Despite the horrors he faced, Beah also reflects on moments of normalcy and kindness amidst
the chaos. The story highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
• Title: Unusu al No rm ality
• When Written: 2006
• Where Written: United States
• When Published: First published in 2007 as a memoir by Ishmael Beah
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Memoir
• Setting: Si erra Leone during the civil wa r
• Climax: Ishmael Beah finds a sense of peace and purpose despite the trauma of war, symbolizing
his journey toward healing and resilience.
• Antagonist: War, violence, trauma
• Point of View: First Perso n
• Extra Credit:
0 Artistic Connections: Ishmael Beah's memoir reflects his personal experiences as a
former child soldier in Sierra Leone, highlighting themes of survival, trauma, and hope.
0 Critical Acclaim: 'Unusual Normality” received widespread acclaim for its raw honesty,
powerful storytelling, and Beah's ability to convey the complexities of his experiences with
empathy and insight.
About the Author
Ishmael Beah is a renowned author known for his gripping memoir "Unusual Normality." Bom in Sierra
Leone, Beah shares his experiences as a former child soldier, shedding light on the challenges of survival
and resilience amidst the horrors of war. Miswriting is poignant and evocative, capturing the raw
emotions and complexities of his journey. Beah s memoir has garnered widespread acclaim and has
been recognized with numerous awards for its powerful portrayal of human endurance in the face of
adversity.
Writer s Technique
In ’Unusual Normality," Beah utilizes a first-person narrative to intimately convey his harrowing
experiences during the civil war in Sierra Leone. Through Beah's perspective, readers are drawn into the
heart-wrenching realities of war, witnessing the struggle for survival and the resilience of the human
spirit. The memoirs nonlinear structure and vivid imagery deepen the emotional impact, immersing
readers in Beah's memories and reflections as he navigates the traumas of his past. With his distinct
storytelling technique, Beah crafts a gripping narrative that leaves a lasting impression on readers,
provoking reflection and empathy long after the final page.
Conflicts:
• Person vs. Self: Ishmael Beah grapples with internal conflicts such as guilt, fear, and trauma
resulting from his experiences as a child soldier.
• Person vs. Society: Beah faces challenges in reintegrating into society after his time as a child
soldier, as he confronts societal stigma and struggles to find his place.
• Person vs. Nature: Beah encounters physical hardships and dangers while navigating the natural
environment of Sierra Leone during the Civil War.

• Person vs. Fate: Beah contends with the unpredictable and often tragic events that unfold during
the Civil War, including loss and suffering beyond his control.
• Person vs. Authority: Beah confronts the authority figures and systems that perpetuate violence
and conflict, both within the rebel forces and in society at large.
• Person vs. Morality: Beah faces moral dilemmas and ethical questions regarding his actions
during the war, as he grapples with the choices he made to survive.
• Person vs. Hopelessness: Beah struggles against feelings of despair and hopelessness as he
seeks to find meaning and purpose in the aftermath of war.
Freytag's Triangle:
• Exposition:
O Ishmael Beah is introduced as a young bey living in Sierra Leone with his family.
O The peaceful life in his village is disrupted when civil war breaks out, leading to chaos and
violence.
• Inciting Incident:
O Beah's village is attacked by rebel forces, resulting in the death of his family and the
destruction of his home.
O Beah is separated from his family and forced to flee, beginning his journey as a refugee
and ultimately leading him into the hands of the military.
• Rising Action:
O Beah is recruited as a child soldier by the government army and undergoes brutal training.
O He becomes Immersed in the violence of war, participating in battles and witnessing
atrocities.
O Beah struggles with internal conflicts, including guilt, fear, and a loss of innocence, as he
adapts to his new life as a soldier.
• Climax:
O Beah's unit is involved in a particularly intense battle where he witnesses the death of
close friends and experiences a crisis of conscience.
O He realizes the destructive nature of the war and decides to escape from the military and
seek refuge in a rehabilitation center.
• Falling Action:
O Beah begins the process of rehabilitation and healing at the center, confronting his
traumatic experiences and receiving support from counselors and fellow survivors.
O He reconnects with his sense of humanity and begins to rebuild his life, finding hope for
the future despite the challenges he faces.
• Resolution:
O Beah is eventually reunited with his extended family and reintegrates into society as a
civilian.
O He reflects on his journey, acknowledging the scars of war but also the strength and
resilience he has discovered within himself.
O Beah looks toward the future with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to share his
story and advocate for peace and healing in Sierra Leone and beyond.
Theme:
The central theme of "Unusual Normality1 by Ishmael Beah revolves around the resilience of the human
spirit in the face of adversity. Beah's memoir explores the devastating impact of war on individuals and
communities, highlighting the trauma, loss, and violence experienced during Sierra Leones civil war.
However, amidst the chaos and suffering, Beah also portrays moments of courage, compassion, and
hope, emphasizing the capacity for human endurance and the possibility of healing and redemption.
Setting:

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