The Shattered Pearl

By Sara Armstrong

When a young American woman moves to Uganda in the early 1970s, she expects adventure, purpose, and the beauty of a new culture. She does not expect to find herself living under one of the most brutal dictatorships of the twentieth century. As Idi Amin rises to power and the country descends into fear, suspicion, and violence, Sara L. Armstrong must navigate a world where every day brings new uncertainty - and survival depends on courage, faith, and the kindness of strangers.

The Shattered Pearl is a deeply personal memoir of ten years spent in a nation on the brink. Through vivid scenes and intimate storytelling, Armstrong reveals the friendships that sustained her, the moments of terror that shaped her, and the quiet strength she discovered within herself. From the markets of Kampala to the rural villages where she lived and worked, she offers a rare, firsthand portrait of Uganda during one of its darkest eras.

More than a historical account, this is a story about resilience - the resilience of a people, a country, and a woman learning to stand firm when everything around her is breaking. For readers of Left to Tell, The Girl Who Smiled Beads, and memoirs that illuminate the human spirit in times of upheaval, The Shattered Pearl is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of chaos, hope endures.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FMPM2VZ7
• ISBN13: 9798231960972
• Release Date: June 2025
• Publisher: Sara L. Armstrong
• Length: 130 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent History of an Amazing Period

This book was written by my aunt. I had heard she went to Uganda for the Peace Corp. I had wondered what had happened to her. I googled her name and found this book (and her). It's an amazing story of how terrible things can be, and how one can escape horror. I consider it a must read for anyone wanting to learn about life under despots.

The Shattered Pearl by Sara Armstrong

This book is a well written personal experience of living through the most terrifying takeover by a dictator with no conscience orinteligence. I cringed at the Fear generated by people suddenly missing and not heard from again.The stupidity of taking over the shops and businesses causing shortages of everything needed to keep the people fed, clothed and in good health.I got a strong feeling from it that it is not that hard to pull off in a civilization that took freedom for granted much like we do here in the United States. Freedom demands eternal vigilance and this book points this out with great force.The last election in my town brought out little more than 20% of the Vote. That must change or we may emulate the citizens of this great book by Sara Armstong.

Very Moving and Well Written

Mrs. Armstrong's touching story of courage, faith and personal growth is a captivating account of personal discovery. Sara uses both historical and personal accounts of life in Uganda as an American. She brings you into her world and you can relate to the both the fear and saddeness associated with the fall of Uganda, the Pearl of Africa. Her creative use of sarcasm and humor bring a unique quality to this touching story. This book has something for everyone. I can't wait for the next book.