TIGRESS IN THE CROSSFIRE. A memoir by Saba M. D. Webb

 

Let me begin by saying I am a middle aged white Canadian who came from a European background.

 

The other week I was browsing through a local bookstore and while there came across a book that intrigued me immensly. The first thing that attracted me was the front cover showing a strong Tigress standing before lush greenary and a lake with mountains in the background.

 

I opened the book and read the preface. Drought, famine, war. The views that most Westerners have of Ethiopia. I thought this is going to be the same old story, but then as I continued to read I became aware that this book could offer something quite different than this stereotype view.

I bought the book, took it home and began to read, once I started I couldn't leave it alone. It is a fascinating story of a brave young woman who not only survived tremendous adversities and hardships she was able to conquer them all.

 

The story begins when as a young girl she lost her loving mother in a tragic way, and lived in a feudal society where girls and women were treated abominably. During this time her country was in termoil being ruled by a cruel fascist regime.

 

At an early age she joined a band of revolutionaries from Tigray Province who against all odds fought and successfully defeated this military junta. In one of the battles she was severely injured. She fought back and after many adventures ended up in Khartoum Sudan where again life was not easy or pleasant for her. She once more overcame extreme odds and eventually ended up in Canada hoping to start a new and happy life,but tragedy again. In a very short time as a result of her injuries and unsuccessful surgery she became totally blind.

 

Life became hell, a battle to survive reached a high point. Finally the Tigress managed to overcome all obstacles and her life seems to have turned around, she is now happily married and living with some of her family that she has helped to bring to Canada.

 

This book telling the lifestory of this exceptional young woman offers a gigantic lesson for us all. It shows that if one has hope, vision and a strong belief in the meaning of life even against tremendous adversity both physical and mental one can become successful.

 

Too many of us who live in relative opulence spend too much time complaining and are never able to reach the heights that Saba has attained.

 

I belive we can all learn tremendous lessons from the courage and strength of this young lady and I am sure you will become a more enriched, peaceful and contented peson in life.