An Ordinary Man is the 2006 autobiography of Paul Rusesabagina, the manager of a Belgian-owned Rwandan hotel. Written with journalist Tom Zoellner, it centers on the struggles Rusesabagina and his family overcame to survive the racially motivated genocide in Rwanda in 1994, a story later turned into the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda. The narrative uses a conversational tone and plain language. Topics include the Rwandan genocide and its atrocities.

Drawing from multiple reviews, An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina is lauded for its compelling, firsthand account of the Rwandan genocide, highlighting the author’s bravery and humanitarian efforts. However, some critics find the writing style straightforward to the point of being overly simplistic. Overall, it’s an inspiring but somber memoir that sheds light on a dark period in history.

A reader who would enjoy An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina is deeply interested in personal narratives that intersect with global history, human rights, and moral courage. Fans of Night by Elie Wiesel and The Diary of Anne Frank will appreciate its poignant, firsthand account of the Rwandan Genocide.

Inspirational / Contemplative / Emotional / Dark / Unnerving

- An Ordinary Man is the autobiographical account of Paul Rusesabagina, whose story was also depicted in the 2004 film Hotel Rwanda.
- The book provides vivid insights into the true story behind the Rwandan genocide, as it is recounted from Rusesabagina's perspective as a hotel manager who sheltered over 1,200 Tutsi and Hutu refugees.
- Rusesabagina’s courage and actions during the genocide earned him international recognition, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President George W. Bush in 2005.

**Paul Rusesabagina**  
A hotel manager who sheltered 1,268 displaced people during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, known for using his negotiation skills to keep the hotel guests safe.

**Thomas Rupfure**  
Paul’s father, who influenced Paul with his sense of justice and care for others, and provided shelter to refugees during the Hutu Revolution of 1959.

**Gerald**  
Paul’s best friend from school who comes from a mixed Hutu-Tutsi family and faces discrimination after being expelled due to his Tutsi heritage.

**Juvenal Habyarimana**  
The President of Rwanda from 1973 until his assassination in 1994, whose death precipitated the Rwandan genocide.

**Tatiana Rusesabagina**  
Paul’s second wife, a Tutsi nurse who shows great resilience during the genocide and supports Paul while caring for their family.

**Paul Kagame**  
Current President of Rwanda and commander of the RPF rebel force that ended the 1994 genocide.

**Romeo Dallaire**  
A Canadian general who led UN troops in Rwanda during the genocide and tried to raise international awareness despite limited support.

Paul Rusesabagina

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