"Jean Patrick Nkuba, a young Rwandan 800 meter phenom trains for the Olympics under the careful watch of his Hutu Coach as the Hutu-Tutsi violence escalates. Running the Rift, Naomi Benaron's Bellwether Prize winning first novel takes a horrific period of history and brings it to the reader in a deeply human way, helping to clarify the historical issues between the two groups while writing about a beautiful country, its customs and landscape and citizens hoping for a better life and some stability. As the novel progresses and Jean Patrick continues to train, he and his fellow Tutsi's are gripped by fear as they witness and endure unspeakable violence, until he is forced to literally run for his life. Treachery abounds, even from the most trusted associates. As difficult as the subject matter may be, it is important, illuminating and, ultimately affirming."
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