The World Was In Our Hands

'A remarkable chronicle of the people who have lived through some of the most harrowing events in recent history, often spoken about, yet rarely listened to. With immense sensitivity and profound care, Chitra Nagarajan has given the world their beautiful, moving, devastating stories. It is important that all of us read them.' — Angela Saini, journalist and author of The Patriarchs: How Men Came to Rule

'The World Was in Our Hands represents the exemplary work of a skilled and sensitive interviewer and researcher. This book offers the reader a deeply human and humanizing perspective, capturing the complexity of one of the twenty-first century's greatest tragedies.' — Alexander Thurston, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Cincinnati

'Over the course of more than 700 interviews, Chitra Nagarajan […] finally gives voice to those who have borne the brunt of a war they never asked for. This work is important, and we will all be the better for paying attention to what the people of Borno have to say.' — Feyi Fawehinmi, co-author of Formation: The Making of Nigeria from Jihad to Amalgamation

'…so far the most important work to emerge from the current tragedy in the Lake Chad basin […] Henceforth, no work on the subject can achieve real authenticity without delving into these experiences. Policy-makers and field workers would better equip themselves by familiarising themselves with its contents.' — Garba Ibrahim, Associate Professor, University of Maiduguri