My latest book is one of the most upsetting I have ever read, Mugabe and the White African is the story of a White Zimbabwean farmer and his family standing up to the Zimbabwean government in an effort to remain on thier farm an in their homes.
It tells tales of abuse of power, corruption, greed and downright sickening evil.
It is not especially well written and the Author, Ben Freeth peppers the text with somewhat naive religous zeal, but you can't help but admire Mr Freeth and the rest of their family for the stand they took and as such I applaud them.
I thoroughly recomend that everyone reads this book but add the caveat that it will upset you, especially if you have a heart.
Showing posts with label Zimbabwe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zimbabwe. Show all posts
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Friday, 19 August 2011
Book Reviews
I have just finished reading Wilbur Smith's Elephant Song.
As a Zimbabwean I should love Wilbur Smith's books but for some reason despite many attempts I have often struggled with his writing style. With that in mind I approached this book with some trepidation, but I needn't have been concerened Elephant Song grips you from the very begining, the characters are strong and well thought out. The descriptions of the landscapes beautifully rendered in your mind and the tale does not let up. 500+ pages dissapeared in next to no time leaving me wanting more.
Highly Recommended.
As a Zimbabwean I should love Wilbur Smith's books but for some reason despite many attempts I have often struggled with his writing style. With that in mind I approached this book with some trepidation, but I needn't have been concerened Elephant Song grips you from the very begining, the characters are strong and well thought out. The descriptions of the landscapes beautifully rendered in your mind and the tale does not let up. 500+ pages dissapeared in next to no time leaving me wanting more.
Highly Recommended.
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
African Book Reviews
Below are a couple of reviews of books I have read in the past that have changed my outlook on life in some way and hope they may inspire some of you. Some of these books are political commentaries, some are social commentaries, some are just fun reads.
Mukiwa by Peter Godwin.
I have also read When a Crocodile eats the Sun and The Fear, but I think this original is his best work, although I urge you to try them all. Peter grew up in the beautiful Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) and this book captures some of the magic all African children experience growing up on this amazing continent.
Don't Lets go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller.
Simarly to Mukiwa this is a tale of growing up in the Eastern Highlands during a time of war but it too captures the imagination and the powerful pull of Zimbabwe to all who have known her at her greatest and worst.
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay.
A novel this time this is a powerful tale of an individual using his head to conquer his own weaknesses, it is the story of a young white boy of English heritage growing up in a deeply racist Afrikaans community and his own triumphs and failures along to way. Along with it's sequel Tandia it is one of the most moving novels ever written.
The Part Time War by Rod Wells.
Stories about what it was like to be a driver on call up during the Rhodesian War.
Blood Sweat and Lions by David Lemon.
Something a little more cheerful this is the story of a man walking alone through the Zimbabwean bush from Kariba to Binga. An inspiring story even if he must be a nutter.
he also has a Blog at http://elephantlemon.com/ which contains the unpublished story of him rowing the length of Kariba and back on a kayak.
Bitter Harvest the Great Betrayal by Ian Douglas Smith.
Was he a great statesman or just a farmer, the combined autobiographies of the late Ian Douglas Smith. He declared UDI and led a nation in a time of war, you certainly can't say he didn't have balls.
Rainbows End by Lauren St John.
Another Story of a childhood growing up in war torn Rhodesia, you might have guessed that I like these sort of books, and that is almost true except that I hate them but yet find myself compelled to read them through some sort of twisted I need to understand my people kink, anyway this is a good one.
I've go loads of others that I will add to this list in due course.
I'd also welcome any suggestions you may have for stuff I've either forgotten or may not have read yet.
TTFN
Mr Bunny Chow
Mukiwa by Peter Godwin.
I have also read When a Crocodile eats the Sun and The Fear, but I think this original is his best work, although I urge you to try them all. Peter grew up in the beautiful Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) and this book captures some of the magic all African children experience growing up on this amazing continent.
Don't Lets go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller.
Simarly to Mukiwa this is a tale of growing up in the Eastern Highlands during a time of war but it too captures the imagination and the powerful pull of Zimbabwe to all who have known her at her greatest and worst.
The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay.
A novel this time this is a powerful tale of an individual using his head to conquer his own weaknesses, it is the story of a young white boy of English heritage growing up in a deeply racist Afrikaans community and his own triumphs and failures along to way. Along with it's sequel Tandia it is one of the most moving novels ever written.
The Part Time War by Rod Wells.
Stories about what it was like to be a driver on call up during the Rhodesian War.
Blood Sweat and Lions by David Lemon.
Something a little more cheerful this is the story of a man walking alone through the Zimbabwean bush from Kariba to Binga. An inspiring story even if he must be a nutter.
he also has a Blog at http://elephantlemon.com/ which contains the unpublished story of him rowing the length of Kariba and back on a kayak.
Bitter Harvest the Great Betrayal by Ian Douglas Smith.
Was he a great statesman or just a farmer, the combined autobiographies of the late Ian Douglas Smith. He declared UDI and led a nation in a time of war, you certainly can't say he didn't have balls.
Rainbows End by Lauren St John.
Another Story of a childhood growing up in war torn Rhodesia, you might have guessed that I like these sort of books, and that is almost true except that I hate them but yet find myself compelled to read them through some sort of twisted I need to understand my people kink, anyway this is a good one.
I've go loads of others that I will add to this list in due course.
I'd also welcome any suggestions you may have for stuff I've either forgotten or may not have read yet.
TTFN
Mr Bunny Chow
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