A gripping eyewitness account of the 1964 Zanzibar revolution as told by the only American present throughout the turmoil. The Cold War exploded in Zanzibar in 1964 when African rebels slaughtered one of every ten Arabs. Led by a strange, messianic Ugandan, Cuban-trained factions headed the rebels, making Zanzibar (in the eyes of Washington) a potentially cancerous base for the communist subversion of mainland Africa. Exotic Zanzibar - fabled island of spices, former slave-trading entrept, and stepping-off point for 19th century expeditions into the vast interior of the Dark Continent - had succumbed to the terror of 20th century revolution and Cold War intrigue.In the vivid, eyewitness tradition of The Bang Bang Club and The Skull beneath the Skin , Donald Petterson weaves an engrossing tale of human drama played out against a background of violence and horror. As the only American in Zanzibar throughout the revolution, Petterson reports with the inside authority of a highly placed diplomatic observer, illuminating how the current troubles in Zanzibar are rooted in the Cold War and the revolution of 1964.
Revolution In Zanzibar: An American's Cold War Tale
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About the Author
In thirty-five years with the Foreign Service, Donald Petterson has served as U.S. ambassador to Sudan, Somalia, and Tanzania. After his retirement in 1995, he was called back into the Foreign Service to take over the US embassy in Liberia. His previous books include "Inside Sudan: Political Islam, Conflict, and Catastrophe." He lives in New Hampshire.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
By C. Bowden
Format:Hardcover
A very interesting account of the most tumultuous period in the history of the place nicknamed 'Paradise Island'. With evident anti-Soviet commentary and pro-American rhetoric, the author glosses over the more secret works of the American Embassy in Zanzibar but provides a hugely important eyewitness account of a period of time that shaped the destiny of one of Africa's most popular destinations.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.1 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
revolution in zanzibar
30 Oct 2002
By John Lyddon
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
I found this book offered a fascinating insight into our cold war era. I was eleven at the time the author was in Zanzibar and we had just come through the Cuban Missle Crisis. As I read through the book I relived some of those moments.
A very interesting insight into a lesser known African nation that plays into many of the issues that face just about all nations in Africa, namely the role that tribalism plays in determing who is in power and who is not in power. Ida Amin was one of the most notorious dictators and in this poignant book one gains an understanding that no matter how large or small your nation is in Africa, the challenges of bringing people together under one rule is daunting.
Last, I liked the author's humor. This is not a dry book. I highly recommend it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Interesting View of the Cold War
29 July 2009
By Michael J. Nelson
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Mr. Petterson has presented us with a very interesting and personal view of the Cold War from one of its more obscure and exotic locales. This book presents an interesting account of politics in 1960s East Africa through the eyes of the only US official to remain on the island of Zanzibar throughout the revolution. It describes the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar and dispels some of the myths surrounding the revolution. The author also provides interesting insight on the early careers of some of the notable figures to emerge in US and African politics including Frank Carlucci, Thomas Pickering, and Julius Nyerere. Anyone who is interested in East African politics or the East-West face off during the cold war should read this book. It is a great addition to any political science library.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Read
8 Jan 2003
By Jillian Jaffe
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Hardcover
Being married to someone who was brought up in the diplomatic lifestyle has its merits. One hears many stories of how life is lived in exotic countries, as well as the impact the cultures of those countries has on a person. Even though the immersion into another culture is marred by working and living with other Americans, that culture does work itself into you.
My husband and I have both read this book, and have also been lucky enough to travel to East Africa. The author's descriptions of Zanzibar's history, culture and people are informative and well-researched. His passages can be either light-hearted or serious, and he does a good job of conveying the chaos and terror of the revolution's first days. I thought that the book flowed quite well, and that his style was quite engaging.
My husband especially felt that this book was an accurate depiction of diplomatic life. Calling one's servants by first name was just the way things were done; not in the manner of "boy" or "man", but in the manner of friendship. Also, a certain detachment is inevitable due to working in an Embassy or Consulate, as well as the people that one works with. Of course, there are diplomats who take NO initiative in learning about or experiencing another culture. Ambassador Petterson does not seem like this type at all.
This book allows a glimpse into the life of a lone American in a highly dangerous diplomatic situation. An almost unknown country and historical event unfolds through the pages, and we learn about the fringe of the Cold War, where one small island is contested between the Super Powers. An excellent read.
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4.1 out of 5 stars
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