The Fear (Peter Godwin)

Another great book by Peter Godwin. This time he tells us about the awful events surrounding the last "elections" and the subsequent GNU (Government of National Unity).

When I first started reading it I thought there was too much information about torture, it was almost "listed". But then I understood that he would be betraying those people who testified if he didn't mention them in the book... and there was no other way of escaping "sensationalism" other than these "listings". 

Apart from this, which never ceases to shock and sicken the reader from beginning to end (human cruelty really has no limits) he does not disappoint, his usual descriptions of Zimbabwe still make you feel nostalgic and in a sense hopeful even in these (more than) hard times. If you are going to read this: PREPARE YOUR STOMACHS and your hearts. I think this was the most difficult book I ever read!

Mukiwa - A white boy in Africa (Peter Godwin)

This is a beautiful story about growing up in Africa and the magic that exists there. In this book Peter Godwin tells his family’s story and the story of Zimbabwe/Rhodesia. Many of us who grew up in Zimbabwe do not have a “historical conscience”, certain things simply were not discussed as we were growing up, and our parents simply assumed that we knew what had happened before. It was great reading the book, reminiscing and putting the pieces together (not necessarily agreeing in all points).

The book can also be enjoyed by non Zimbabweans, the vocabulary and instances that might not be understood by a person who is not from Africa are all explained and the story is told in a funny easy to read way. Although there is war and death, it is a hopeful book.