A House in the Sky

Content Warning: The section of the guide contains references to physical and sexual violence, psychological abuse, and extreme hardship. It also discusses topics related to captivity and torture.

Amanda Lindhout’s memoir, A House in the Sky, chronicles her life from an eager young adventurer to a global humanitarian, shaped significantly by her traumatic experience of captivity in Somalia. Growing up in Alberta, Canada, with a challenging family background, Lindhout’s escape into the pages of National Geographic inspired her to explore the world. Her journey led her to a career in journalism, where she ventured into some of the most dangerous corners of the globe, driven by a desire to connect with different cultures and report on global conflicts.

Her life took a dramatic turn in 2008 when she was kidnapped in Somalia along with Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan. During her 460 days in captivity, Lindhout faced unimaginable hardships. She was subjected to physical and sexual abuse, kept in chains, and moved between various makeshift prisons. Lindhout details these experiences with raw honesty in her memoir, reflecting her incredible psychological and physical endurance. Lindhout’s narrative captures not only the brutality of her captors but also her strategies for survival, including creating mental escapes and bonding with fellow captive Nigel Brennan.