We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families Summary & Key Insights

Philip Gourevitch's "We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families" is a harrowing account of the Rwandan genocide through the eyes of its victims and perpetrators. The book isn't a chronological history but rather a series of interwoven narratives, focusing on the experiences of individuals caught in the maelstrom of violence. The title itself, a chilling message sent by Hutu extremists, sets the tone for the book's brutal honesty.

The "plot," if one can call it that, follows several intertwined threads. Central to the narrative are the survivors of the genocide, their experiences varying greatly, yet all reflecting the pervasive fear, brutality, and seemingly arbitrary nature of the killings. Gourevitch meticulously details the methodical slaughter of Tutsis and moderate Hutus by Hutu extremists, often involving neighbors, colleagues, and even family members. He profiles individuals whose lives are irrevocably altered by the genocide, showing the physical and psychological scars left behind. Their stories reveal the unimaginable horrors inflicted, the resilience of the human spirit, and the complexities of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Key characters aren't necessarily prominent individuals in the political landscape, but rather ordinary citizens whose lives illustrate the profound impact of the genocide. These are people who struggled to comprehend the sudden shift from peaceful co-existence to mass murder, people who hid in fear, bore witness to unimaginable atrocities, and ultimately survived to tell their tales. Although we don't have a singular protagonist, the collective experience of these individuals forms the powerful narrative. Alongside survivor testimonies, Gourevitch incorporates interviews with some perpetrators, offering glimpses into their motivations, their rationalizations, and the insidious propaganda that fueled the violence.

The overarching themes of the book explore the fragility of peace, the ease with which societal structures can collapse into barbarity, and the role of international indifference in enabling such atrocities. Gourevitch implicitly critiques the international community's slow response and failure to adequately protect the Rwandan population. He also examines the complexities of justice and reconciliation in the aftermath of genocide, showing the challenges faced by a nation trying to rebuild itself amidst immense trauma. The book highlights the lingering effects of trauma, the difficulties of achieving true reconciliation, and the ongoing struggle for justice. Ultimately, "We Wish to Inform You..." is a powerful testament to the human capacity for both extreme cruelty and remarkable resilience, serving as a stark warning against the dangers of unchecked hatred and indifference.