Asking For Trouble - The Autobiography Of A Banned Journalist

by Donald Woods

Book by Woods, Donald

Genres: Biography, Africa, South Africa, Nonfiction, History, Journalism, Memoir

Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Donald Woods was editor-in-chief of the Daily Dispatch, a newspaper in South Africa. While editor, he integrated the editorial staff (in direct opposition to apartheid) and took up an anti-apartheid stance. However, Woods was originally opposed also to the Black Consciousness Movement, and in particular Steve Biko; they became friends, and Woods was put under ban after the Soweto Uprising.
Woods and his entire family (wife and five surviving children) escaped to England via Lesotho after Biko died, and there Woods became an active speaker against apartheid. He spoke in the U.S. and before the U.N. Security Council.
Woods died in 2001 of cancer, after traveling back to South Africa after apartheid ended.
The 1987 movie Cry Freedom is about Woods, and he and his wife were very involved in the film.

Reviews

[Sue Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living history, applied intelligence and cunning

A record of the wicked Afrikaners efforts to maintain white supremacy in South Africa. The bravery, courage and skilful application of legality by the liberal press in the face of complete disregard of human rights, persecution and atrocious murder. Woods enlightens the reader, setting the context of the homelands, and growing up in this multilingual and multi-racial society and how he himself came to understand this tragic but proud community. He records meeting with the respected black leader Steven Biko and his subsequent murder. Eventually being forced to escape with his family to seek asylum.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the movie "Cry, Freedom" first and I was deeply moved by the story of Donald Woods and his friendship with Steve Biko. Reading the book was also deeply moving as he transformed from a racist to radical activist. A must read!

[Carol McGinty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good account of a white South African journalist taking a strong stand against apartheid laws--the kind of story that is best enjoyed first-hand, as in this book. Had hoped there would be more Steve Biko in it, but to be fair, the book is advertised as being about Woods' experiences.

[David Kenvyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary book, about how brave an ordinary person can be, and how they can set about to change the world.

[Dawn Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review to follow ...

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in the summer before college, partially because I was interested in the politics of South Africa at the time. Woods' transformation and the brutal episode with his children being given shirts with ninhydrin have stuck with me since.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing.
Review will be up soon.