Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa
by Peter Godwin
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Read in February, 2007
My boyfriend's Dad grew up in Zimbabwe about the same time as this author and gave this book to my boyfriend(Pete) as the closest example of how his life was growing up. Pete gave it to me after watching me try to read a series of autobiographies on the same subject which just weren't that great.
Godwin is a journalist and writes in the journalist style I can never decide if I like, but it's an interesting book and offers tons of info on Zim in the 70s.
My Dad recently returned from South Afri...more
Godwin is a journalist and writes in the journalist style I can never decide if I like, but it's an interesting book and offers tons of info on Zim in the 70s.
My Dad recently returned from South Afri...more
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Read in July, 2007
A truly great book. Through the eyes of a young boy during the time of transition from colonial rule to Mugabe in Zimbabwe. He's a boy who doesn't quite fit in to white or black society, but sees quite clearly both. For instance, he goes with his black friend (mother substitute) to the Sunday morning "church" services by the river.....and ends up channeling the spirits of the native ancestors, which freaks out both societies. Really good as a story, but also really opens your eyes ...more
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Read in July, 2007
I read "When the Crocodile Eats the Sun" first, and both are along the same lines. Mukiwa is Godwin's first account of growing up in Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia during the 1960's. His memoire is fascinating, and a helpful start into understanding the political turmoil in Zimbabwe at the time. I wouldn't say it's an analytical, history-of-politics account of his time there, but it's a good read for both enjoyment and for learning about Zimbabwe.
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Was recommended this book by a friend I met travelling, and it was really interesting reading about someone who grew up as a white colonist in africa, served in the rhodesian military against the zanu insurgency, and then became a defender of those militants who ran afoul of Mugabe. This really shows the difficulty of blanket solutions to the problems of colonization. Definitely recommended.
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Read in April, 2008
After reading "Crocodile in the Sun", I had really big expectations for Godwin's first book. I especially liked the first part of the book where he writes about his childhood in Zimbabwe. I also liked the last part of the book where he describes the country's descent into chaos. I didn't love this book like I did his second, but it was still an enjoyable read.
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Read in January, 2005
recommends it for:
Anyone
Part autobiography, part journalistic exploration of the heady days when Rhodesian died and Zimbabwe was born. Gripping through and through - his account of his time in the "Bush War," especially, will have you staying up late. He never sounds immodest, and yet his concern for those people caught in the violence of that time is palpable. Simply fantastic.
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i can't recommend this book highly enough. it gave me so much insight into the world i was experiencing while i was in zimbabwe. it's humourous, insightful, and perfectly delightful. i wish every day i could find a book like this. i'd certainly be a better person!
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Read in September, 2007
this one really resonated with me, having grown up in a remote part of africa myself. His insights into his childhood, and his ability to integrate his memories and perceptions into a meaningful narrative made this, for me, a compelling and enjoyable read.
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Read in January, 2001
Another awkward white person in Africa book, but he's more involved and more engrained, and paints a strong picture of Rhodesia just before it became Zimbabwe. I'm looking forward to reading his new one in paperback, he's quite a skilled writer.
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Read in January, 2007
The first part of a 2 book memoir of life in Zimbabwe. Mukiwa deals with the author's child-and young adulthood and falls naturally into 2 parts, ie an idyllic childhood and then his involvement in the civil war. Very well written, easy to read
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Read in April, 2007
Memoir about life in Rhodesia at the beginning of the civil war for a white boy(mukiwa) from an English family. Good portrayals of dilemmas that had to be faced daily, how some survived, some died and the beginning of the changeover of power.
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Read in November, 2005
This book was recommended to me by John R. during our trip to Zimbabwe, and I read it while I was on holiday in Jamaica. It's a very engaging, well-written account of a young boy growing up in Rhodesia, which eventually becomes Zimbabwe.
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Great book. I am married to a Zimbabwean but grew up knowing nothing about it. I wanted to read the book so it might give me a glimpse into the world in which he grew up. It was slow getting into it but once I did I really enjoyed it.
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Has a copy to sell/swap
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Read in September, 2007
Fabulous book about growing up white in "South Africa". I found the stories and situations so interesting, probably because they are so foreign to my personal experience. I plan on reading more from this author.
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This is an intimate look into Rhodesia's history. The main character is somewhat of an altruist and likeable. Im still reading this book but could not figure out how to put it on my currently reading list.
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Read in January, 2003
My girlfriend gave me this book and it does give a great impression about what it was like to grow up as a white kid in Africa during the struggle for independence.
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Read in April, 2008
An excellent book about growing up in Rhodesia under white rule, the violent transition to black rule, and the birth of the modern nation of Zimbabwe.
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Read in August, 2007
This is great if you're looking for a general understanding of colonialist Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) from a personal aspect.
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Read in October, 2007
A very enjoyable read from the perspective of a privileged 'white' turned policeman during Rhodesia's civil war....
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Read in September, 2005
Great story by a great author relating a funny but sad story of a crumbling little Country.
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