First published 2005
Howard W. French draws on twenty-five years as a New York Times correspondent to examine Africa's recent catastrophes. He witnessed Mobutu Sese Seko's downfall, Charles Taylor's entrance into Monrovia, and the genocides that killed millions in Rwanda and Congo. French combines his firsthand reporting with historical analysis to uncover the roots of these tragedies. He exposes how colonial legacies still damage the continent and reveals the hypocrisy of both Western and African leaders who perpetuate suffering. Yet French also discovers Africa's vast potential in its cultural diversity and complexity. His account moves beyond the familiar narrative of African despair to show a continent rich with possibility and strength.
Genres: history, 20th-century, african-literature, non-fiction, 21st-century, africa
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-analysis, investigative-journalism
Setting: Africa, Congo, Monrovia, Rwanda
Period: 20th Century, 21st Century
280 pages · Paperback · Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Content warnings: colonialism, violence