Immaculee Ilibagiza's story is one of terror, loss and faith. Immaculee had a happy childhood. She was raised in a close knit Roman Catholic family on the beautiful shores of Lake Kivu. Immaculee's parents, Rose and Leonard, were loving. There were four children in the family, of which Immaculee was the only daughter. As a child she experienced much joy and was especially close to her brother Damascene. Immaculee felt loved by her family, friends and community. She moved freely through her village, Mataba, and had many friendships. Immaculee was also blessed with intelligence. Her intelligence was fostered by her parents, who, as teachers, believed strongly in the importance of education. She excelled scholastically and earned an excellent education. She studied locally at her mother's school during her elementary years. Later, she attended boarding school for her high school education and finally at the National University in Butare. Her idyllic life was shattered in 1990 when on her holiday visit home Immaculee came face to face with the increasing hostility amongst the three tribes of Rwanda.This study guide includes the following sections: Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.