- Paperback: 432 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st HarperPerennial Ed edition (1 Oct 1997)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 006097723X
- ISBN-13: 978-0060977238
- Product Dimensions: 21.8 x 14.1 x 2.7 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 722,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Review
"The insanity of war, the beauty and mystery of Africa, the chaotic death pangs of colonialism, an extraordinary coming of age: All swirl hauntingly together in this compelling account of the end of Rhodesia.""--Kirkus Reviews""A very good book, the best to come out of the War for Independence in Zimbabwe so far...It is an informative book, full of history, and should be in the library of anyone interested in southern Africa."--Doris LessingA
Product Description
Mukiwa begins in the magnificent mountains of eastern Rhodesia in the 1960s. In the eyes of young Peter Godwin, the land is an endless source of wonder and adventure: of leopard hunting, witch doctors, lepers, and snakes. Then one day he stumbles upon the body of his neighbor, killed by African guerrillas, and this perception is changed forever. Its an unforgettable tale of innocence lost under African skies as we follow Godwin's awakening to the often savage struggle between whites and blacks, his horror when he is forced to fight in a civil war he detests, and his experiences as a journalist covering the country's violent transition to black rule as Rhodesia's colonial era comes to an end and the new state of Zimbabwe is born from its bloody ashes."The insanity of war, the beauty and mystery of Africa, the chaotic death pangs of colonialism, an extraordinary coming of age: All swirl hauntingly together in this compelling account of the end of Rhodesia." "--Kirkus Reviews"
"A very good book, the best to come out of the War for Independence in Zimbabwe so far...It is an informative book, full of history, and should be in the library of anyone interested in southern Africa."--Doris LessingA
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First Sentence
"I think I first realized something was wrong when our next neighbour, oom Piet Oberholzer, was murdered." Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
"I think I first realized something was wrong when our next neighbour, oom Piet Oberholzer, was murdered." Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have never read a more heart-felt, poigniant, passionate and interesting account of the situation regarding the transition of Rhodesia to Zimbabwe. The initial flavour of this book takes that of Roald Dahl at his very best, but the writing develops and matures with the authors recollections of his childhood/teenages and early adulthood. It really is a book that you cannot put down, and I am sure many white Rhodies and Zimbabweans can relate to Godwins work in more ways than one. If there is one book you buy whilst surfing for things to read, make it this one, and you won't be dissappointed.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book gives a true insight into what it was like to grow up in africa as a 'Mukiwa' - white man. It also shows the events leading to the current situation in Zimbabwe. If you are Zimbabwean, white or black, or if you want to know more about what it's like to be a Zimbo, this book is a MUST!
Enjoy
Enjoy
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a real read! How Mr Godwin remembered all the stuff from his childhood beats me but he has put it together in a very readable format. I brought this book on holiday and never lifted my head. He gives a very good perspective on Rhodesia as he grew up and developed into an adult. It is brutal in some aspects but is well balanced with nice touches of family life. The Author is not bitter even though he lost his sister during the War and he has some good stories about Black and White relationships.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
thumbs up
As a "mukiwa" growing up in the same area, I just loved this. I lost my first copy, and am glad I have this now to let my children read when they are old enough to ask questions... Read more
Published 23 months ago by Zimmie Mel
Really Wonderful
I loved this book and would also recommend "When a crocodile eats the Sun" by the same author.
Published on 24 Dec 2009 by J. Freeman
Unforgettable, extraordinary, astonishing
This is one of the most astonishing, extraordinary and moving books I have ever read. I can only add my own praise here to the many other reviews, and try to communicate just how... Read more
Published on 12 Mar 2009 by Kit Halifax
Splendid
This is a triumph. Godwin's account of the beginnings of Rhodesia's move towards independence and its fruition is 1980 is a beautifully crafted, honest and at times terrifying... Read more
Published on 16 Mar 2007 by T. Williams
A truly great book
The first half of this book is full of glorious colourful and hilarious childhood reminiscences. Peter Godwin conjures up pictures in our minds,stories,myth-like tales. Read more
Published on 17 July 2001
Zimbabwe's own Donald Woods
Overall an incredibly nostalgic read for all young colonials, now my dad won't put it down.
Published on 11 July 2001 by sonjabass@themail.co.uk
The one essential read for all Zimbabweans
A absolute tour de force - this book superbly covers the difficult years of the Rhodesia - Zimbabwe transition. Read more
Published on 8 Dec 2000 by C. Matthews
Great insight into life in Southern Africa
This was an absolutely magic book. For anyone who has ever visited Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and enjoyed the beauties of that troubled country, the book is a must to read. Read more
Published on 11 Aug 2000 by An American Reader in New Zealand
A must read for anyone with an interest in Africa
A brilliant book -- I am surprised how few reviews there are of it here. Split into three sections, each one is a gem in its own right. Read more
Published on 10 Mar 2000
A must read for anyone with an interest in Africa
A brilliant book -- I am surprised how few reviews there are of it here. Split into three sections, each one is a gem in its own right. Read more
Published on 10 Mar 2000
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