Taras ByByitibarenDibi, Côte d'IvoireitibarenDibi, Côte d'Ivoire

Helene Cooper was born in Liberia, the daughter of two established family lines dating back to the early settlement from America. The family was well-to-do, living in a huge mansion by the ocean, complete with servants, cars, private school. The family adopted a local girl named Eunice who grew up with Helene as a sister. After a coup in 1980, the family was among the hunted. Ultimately they escaped to the States, leaving Eunice behind in war-torn Liberia. Helene grew up and became a correspondent with the Wall Street Journal. After a near death experience covering the war in Iraq, Helene decided it was time to return to Liberia to locate her sister. I knew very little of the history of Liberia - I know more now as a result of reading this. A couple times I felt like the history got tedious, but it is short sections. Found myself getting emotionally caught up in the turmoil and violence as it unfolded.

I just remembered the vampires! No way, that's a one star deduction.