Summary

"An Ordinary Man" is the autobiography of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager in Rwanda who saved over 1,200 people during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Rusesabagina recounts his early life, the growing ethnic tensions in Rwanda, and the events that led to the genocide. He describes his efforts to provide a safe haven for Tutsis and moderate Hutus at the Hotel Mille Collines, using his connections, negotiation skills, and sheer determination to protect them from theInterahamwe militia and the Rwandan army.

The book delves into the historical context of the Hutu-Tutsi conflict, tracing its roots back to colonial times and the divisive policies of European powers. Rusesabagina exposes the propaganda and hate speech spread byRadio-Télévision Libre des Mille Collines(RTLM), which fueled the genocide and dehumanized the Tutsi population. He highlights the failures of the international community, particularly the United Nations and the United States, to intervene and prevent the mass slaughter.

Rusesabagina shares harrowing stories of the refugees who sought shelter at the Mille Collines, depicting their fear, resilience, and acts of kindness in the face of unimaginable horror. He recounts his personal struggles to maintain order and morale within the hotel, grappling with limited resources, constant threats, and the moral dilemmas of prioritizing some lives over others. The book emphasizes the power of words, both for inciting violence and for promoting peace and understanding.

In the aftermath of the genocide, Rusesabagina reflects on the challenges of rebuilding Rwanda and achieving reconciliation between Hutus and Tutsis. He critiques the current government's shortcomings in promoting justice and democracy, warning against the dangers of unchecked power and ethnic divisions. Rusesabagina stresses the importance of remembering the lessons of the genocide and working towards a future where such atrocities never happen again. He concludes by highlighting the acts of courage and compassion displayed by ordinary Rwandans who risked their lives to save others, offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of unspeakable evil.