Congo by David van Reybrouck is an expansive history of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, from the pre-colonial era to 2010 when the book was first published. The author brings this epic history to life by combining the DRC´s conventional historical narrative with ordinary people´s tales. The book reads like a novel while at the same time it is as rigorous as an academic text. Post independence I particularly found the post independent Congo… Read more“Congo: The Epic History of a People by David Van Reybrouck: Review”
Thabo Mbeki and the Battle for the Soul of the ANC: Review
How we perceive events, things or people is always a subjective matter. More so when it comes to politicians. For they are many things to different people. I knew Thabo Mbeki but this book shaded a different Mbeki altogether. I am fully cognisant that biographers, like all of us are subjective. They are either fans or foes of their subjects, they are hardly neutral. Hence, it is important to read this book knowing that the… Read more“Thabo Mbeki and the Battle for the Soul of the ANC: Review”
Out of Darkness, Shinning Light Review
When I finished reading this book a couple of months ago, I was tempted to join the multitude of readers who were heaping praises on Petina Gappah saying that she had outdone herself with this book. Although, it is a beautiful story that is beautifully narrated, I could not say that without becoming dishonest. I confess, prior to this book, I had only managed to read one other book from her oeuvre. In as much… Read more“Out of Darkness, Shinning Light Review”
Africa Must Unite Review : Kwame Nkrumah
In this book, Africa Must Unite, Dr Nkrumah paints a vivid picture of how Africa could become an economic giant through communications, industrial and commercial integration. He argues that without political integration there cannot be economic integration. To use his own words, he says “African Unity is, above all a political kingdom which can only be gained by political means. The social and economic development of Africa will come only within the political kingdom not… Read more“Africa Must Unite Review : Kwame Nkrumah”
Half of a Yellow Sun Review by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
I had watched the movie beforehand, hence I was sceptical, thinking I already knew the story line. I read this book only because I love Chimamanda. But I must confess, I am glad I read the book. There is just too much detail and nuance that I had missed from watching the movie. The story is fiction but located in actual history. It begins just before the Biafran cessation (Nigerian civil war) right up until… Read more“Half of a Yellow Sun Review by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie”