In many ways, it’s hard to read Daoud Hari’s new memoir “The Translator.”

As an eyewitness to the of the genocide in Darfur, Hari (who in his duties as a translator took reporters into the heart of the hot zone) saw and describes some truly, brutal and horrifying moments.  But even in the when things are at their most hopeless, Hari manages to keep his grace, dignity and even his sense of humor–all of which come through in this new book.

It’s evident right away that Hari is a pretty cool guy; it’s just that his knowledge of English his thrust him into some awful circumstances. He’s slyly funny (one example–he mentions that it’s customary among his people for men and women to live in separate tents and “that’s why the marriages last so long). He’s ironic and playful, even under the most harrowing of conditions. And above all, he’s a survivor.

“The Translator” is a really good read. Hari puts a human face on the brutalities in Darfur while smiling through his tears. The region may be a hell on earth, but angels like Hari can and do still exist