by Paul Collier
First published 2019
President Salva Kiir watches his young nation tear itself apart. South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after decades of liberation war, but peace proves fragile. When political infighting splits the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement in December 2013, violence explodes in the capital city of Juba. Kiir's Dinka presidential guard clashes with Nuer forces backing former Vice President Riek Machar. The conflict spreads beyond the capital as ethnic divisions deepen across the country. Ceasefires come and go while all sides break their promises. The humanitarian crisis worsens as fighting continues without end. Kiir must navigate the treacherous politics that threaten to destroy everything his people fought to achieve. This novel explores how quickly hope can turn to despair when old wounds refuse to heal in Africa's youngest country.
Genres: historical-fiction, african-literature, war, political-thriller
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: political-intrigue, war
Setting: Juba, South Sudan
Period: 2011, 2013
304 pages · Paperback · I.B. Tauris
Content warnings: violence