In A Continent for the Taking Howard W. French, a veteran correspondent for The New York Times, gives a compelling firstha... read full description
reviews
Jul 29, 2008
Scot
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Having recently been powerfully moved by Uwem Akpan's short stories about suffering in different parts of Africa, and feeling guilty that I didn't know enough about some of the political struggles that ravaged that continent in the 1990s (the contexts, the varying perspectives, the cultural traditions and influences, the key players), when this book was recommended to me by a friend planning a trip to Ethiopia, I gladly borrowed it. Before I began the book I had a general sense of the devastati
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Aug 11, 2010
Jamie
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An excellent first-person account of 1990s sub-Saharan African politics, this book is filled with insight both passionate and enlightening from Howard French, the NY Times Africa bureau chief from that period. His exploration of the Congolese Wars and their relationship with the Rwandan genocide is the most profound part of the book, although he discusses nearly everything of significance from this period. Keep in mind once again, however, that his scope is limited to those parts of Africa he pe
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Aug 20, 2007
Nathaniel
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Unlike some of the other African travel writing and reportage on my African shelf, French's book is uncompromisingly fact-laden and dense. There are a few moments when the history that he lived through gathers enough speed around certain imperiled individuals or groups to make the book gripping and fast-paced; but, on average, it requires careful attention that borders on note-taking to keep track of the motivations and backgrounds of the different players in French's account (unless you have al
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Apr 05, 2010
Matt
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Haunting, depressing, one must look very deep to see the "Hope" side of this book.
After having the privilege of spending two years of my life in Mali, this book has placed an explanation point on the significance and very unique qualities that is "Malian Culture".
Toward the book, I admire Mr. French's pursuit of the un-whitewashed truth, even when it revealed my own country (USA) to hold partial responsibility for the senseless killing and crimes tha More...
After having the privilege of spending two years of my life in Mali, this book has placed an explanation point on the significance and very unique qualities that is "Malian Culture".
Toward the book, I admire Mr. French's pursuit of the un-whitewashed truth, even when it revealed my own country (USA) to hold partial responsibility for the senseless killing and crimes tha More...
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 08, 2010
Anne-marie
rated it: 
A little preachy for my tastes but gets better as the book progresses. Some very good points on the history of colonialism and post-colonial support for "big men". Most of it's been said before and really a history book would have been better to cover a lot of issues. It's well written and a good length. More importantly it was available in Nairobi airport.
Aug 03, 2011
Greg
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A great book, but very sobering. This is by far the best I've read in the way of books on Africa. The way French takes you through the never ending nightmare of a content that continues to self destruct both economically and politically, left me wondering if there is any hope for this beautiful continent of my birth.
Oct 15, 2011
John
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I hadn't realized the book was written in 2004, focusing on events witnessed by the journalist author several years earlier; so, yes, it qualifies as "dated". Worthwhile for those with a strong interest in African affairs, others will likely find it bogged down and tedious.
Sep 10, 2011
Lucius
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Not a lot of new information here, but one of the more current books on social conditions on the continent. In general, I found the author dealing more with tragedy and less with hope.
Aug 22, 2011
Rushay
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Poignant view into the authors experience while reporting from the battle fields.Found the author sincere and felt his views gave a balanced review.Now its time for Africa to wake up and take charge of its destiny
Oct 22, 2009
Lydia
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A smaller read than Martin Meredith's Fate of Africa. This book is similar in many ways.I'd recommend it for someone who wants to learn about Africa but not invest a long time in reading. Very readible for a history book.
Feb 07, 2009
Holly
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I read this book for a class, but loved it so much I didn't sell it back. It's about the struggle of life in Africa.
Dec 22, 2011
Winnie
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I thought this was less powerful than the classic How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, even though it covers many of the same themes. The writing is good, but it felt disorganized with the author's personal tangents at times.
Mar 07, 2011
The most interesting book I've read on West Africa thus far. Howard French's honesty and frankness about his days as a journalist covering some of the largest changes in contemporary Africa is utterly refreshing. This book will keep me thinking for a long while to come, and I plan to read it again.
Nov 18, 2008
Melani
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With the Congo being in the news again, I am so glad I read this book. Not only was it highly readable -- but now I feel like I have a way better understanding of what is happening in some parts of Africa. He is not offering a lot of solutions -- and in Africa history does have a way of repeating itself -- so the book does start to feel a little bit like "did I already read this part?" by the end -- but I reccommend it to anyone looking to get the basics of the African issues we ofte
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Mar 18, 2009
Neu
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I find most nonfiction about Africa to be difficult for me to get through, not because they aren't interesting or written well, but because there are just so many names and things happening and countries involved -- so much to absorb and keep track of. This one, thus, was also a slower read for me, but very insightful, tragic and a great insiders perspective on a lot of history there.
Mar 11, 2008
Anna
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Excellent record of West Africa in the 1990s. Very depressing and very well written - it is not difficult to read at all. Shocking to realise what I have lived through and basically not been aware of. And yet again how the developed countries' (this book focuses mainly on the US) foreign policies have totally screwed this continent.
Oct 24, 2007
Charlie
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Too anecdotal, considering the incredibly self-important title. Interesting stories of his experience as a journalist in Congo and Cote D'Ivoire but he overgeneralizes on what he sees as the problems that constrain African development and backs those points up with specific and sometimes isolated incidents.
Dec 17, 2007
deano
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The subtitle suggested (to me) that the book would present relatively equal measures of tragedy and hope. But true to reality, the overwhelming sadness of current affairs dominates the narrative. The author is justifiably and effectively angry. The hope lives in actions taken after reading this.
Feb 13, 2008
Theresa
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A FANTASTIC book if you are curious about African politics from the 1800s to the 1990s. This book will make you realize how little we Americans know about the African continent and what people there are truly dealing with all because of American business. Unbelieveable.
Oct 03, 2007
Heather
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Written by an African American. Discusses many different African countries. Is very critical of author Phillip Gourevitch, who wrote a book about Rwanda. I found parts hard to understand, maybe because it took me so long to read.
Jan 12, 2008
Mr.david
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A journalist reviews his experiences writing about Africa for the New York Times. It's not quite enough. But what book about Africa ever is? Kapucinsky's book (Shadow of the Sun) on my list satisfied me more.
Dec 16, 2009
Jenny
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The subtitle sounds touchy-feely, but this book is anything but. Incredibly insightful, eye-opening, depressing. A good companion to Paul Theroux's Dark Star Safari.
Feb 28, 2008
Jess
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If I wrote a book about Africa (at least the parts I've seen), I would describe it like he does. A story written by a man who loves Africa.
Jun 06, 2011
Marsha
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Good and informative but very depressing. Read a lot of the tragedy but I missed the hope part.
Jul 25, 2009
Oriana
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Read this some time ago, learned quite a bit about a handful of countries in Africa.
