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Two Weeks in November: The Astonishing Inside Story of the Coup That Toppled Mugabe
Two Weeks in Novemberis the thrilling, surreal, unbelievable and often very funny true story of four would-be enemies - a high ranking politician, an exiled human rights lawyer, a dangerous spy and a low-key white businessman turned political fixer - who team up to help unseat one of Africa's longest serving dictators, Robert Mugabe.
What begins as an improbable adventure destined for failure, marked by a mixture of bravery, strategic cunning and bumbling naiveté, soon turns into the most sophisticated political-military operation in African history. By virtue of their being together, the unlikely team of misfit rivals is suddenly in position to spin what might have been seen as an illegal coup into a mass popular uprising that the world - and millions of Zimbabweans - will enthusiastically support.
Impeccably researched, deftly written, and told in the style of a contemporary political thriller, Two Weeks in November throws you into the very heart of ‘the game’, a dangerous hidden world that makes you question what is real, what is choreographed, and whether anything can really change in a country where the same players are still dictating the rules.
What begins as an improbable adventure destined for failure, marked by a mixture of bravery, strategic cunning and bumbling naiveté, soon turns into the most sophisticated political-military operation in African history. By virtue of their being together, the unlikely team of misfit rivals is suddenly in position to spin what might have been seen as an illegal coup into a mass popular uprising that the world - and millions of Zimbabweans - will enthusiastically support.
Impeccably researched, deftly written, and told in the style of a contemporary political thriller, Two Weeks in November throws you into the very heart of ‘the game’, a dangerous hidden world that makes you question what is real, what is choreographed, and whether anything can really change in a country where the same players are still dictating the rules.
288 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2018
61 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Rogers
8 books41 followersDouglas Rogers is an award-winning author, travel writer and journalist with 20 years’ experience writing for the world’s leading magazines and newspapers including The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, Condé Nast Traveler, The Guardian, the Daily Telegraph and the Times of London.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, he has lived in Johannesburg, London, New York and Washington D.C, and has reported from more than 50 countries on topics as diverse as the diamond trade in Africa, the movie stars of Bollywood, and the restaurants of New Orleans.
He is the author of the acclaimed memoir: The Last Resort: A Memoir of Mischief and Mayhem on a Family Farm in Africa, (Crown/Random House), finalist for the prestigious Dolman Travel Book of the Year. The New York Times wrote: “This vibrant, tragic and surprisingly funny book is the best account yet of ordinary life – for blacks and whites – to have come out of the Mugabe dictatorship.” It was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.
Rogers ghost wrote The Lion Awakes: Adventures in Africa’s Economic Miracle by Ashish Thakkar (St Martin’s Press, 2015), the story of Africa’s youngest billionaire, and his insights into the continent’s astonishing economic growth.
Rogers has won many awards, including a 2016 Silver Award from the North American Association of Travel Journalists for a feature on Mozambique; Best National Feature Writer at the 2013 Visit USA Awards in London; and the 2010 Travel Book of the Year from the British Guild of Travel Writers.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, he has lived in Johannesburg, London, New York and Washington D.C, and has reported from more than 50 countries on topics as diverse as the diamond trade in Africa, the movie stars of Bollywood, and the restaurants of New Orleans.
He is the author of the acclaimed memoir: The Last Resort: A Memoir of Mischief and Mayhem on a Family Farm in Africa, (Crown/Random House), finalist for the prestigious Dolman Travel Book of the Year. The New York Times wrote: “This vibrant, tragic and surprisingly funny book is the best account yet of ordinary life – for blacks and whites – to have come out of the Mugabe dictatorship.” It was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week.
Rogers ghost wrote The Lion Awakes: Adventures in Africa’s Economic Miracle by Ashish Thakkar (St Martin’s Press, 2015), the story of Africa’s youngest billionaire, and his insights into the continent’s astonishing economic growth.
Rogers has won many awards, including a 2016 Silver Award from the North American Association of Travel Journalists for a feature on Mozambique; Best National Feature Writer at the 2013 Visit USA Awards in London; and the 2010 Travel Book of the Year from the British Guild of Travel Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 3, 2019
Seven members of the group gathered on a pleasant August evening.
The book had been headlined as “The astonishing untold story of the operation that toppled Mugabe.” Our proposer had been inspired to read more after listening to 2 episodes of the book on BBC 4’s “Book of the Week”. Having been duly captivated by the book he felt it worthy of our analysis.
The author had been born in Umtali, Rhodesia in 1968 to Lyn, a lawyer and Rosalind a drama teacher. He grew up on heavily fortified chicken and grape farms during the Rhodesian Bush War. He was schooled in Rhodesia and graduated with a degree in journalism in Rhodes University, South Africa. Following newspaper and radio assignments in Johannesburg he moved to London in 1994 and wrote feature and travel articles for several broadsheets. He settled in the USA in 2003 and has contributed to many of the world’s leading magazines and newspapers. In 2009 he published “The Last Resort: a Memoir of Zimbabwe” to critical acclaim. He currently teaches at the Gothan Writers Workshop.
There was a long discussion about how Africa, despite its vast natural resources seems to remain in the doldrums. One member who had visited Africa several times and had met a good number of top Africans, found them to be rational and deeply intellectual. But corruption amongst leaders and expensive local wars prevented proper investment in infrastructure and distribution of wealth to the masses.
Why had Africa not thrived as much as other continents? Historically, factors such as Africa’s challenging geography prevented easy trade routes being established. There seemed to be a different work ethic compared to northern and far eastern countries. There was a theory that the short growing season in northern Europe led to greater efforts to produce food efficiently whilst in Africa there wasn’t that pressure.
Comment was made on Britain’s support of corrupt regimes who were of commercial or strategic use to us and of bestowing honours on their leaders. We had a habit of conveniently ignoring misdemeanours carried out by these administrations if it suited us. We were reminded that President Mugabe had been given an honorary degree by Edinburgh University in 1984 but this was eventually revoked after years of campaigning about his poor human rights record.
There was general agreement that the journalistic style of writing wasn’t very agreeable. Reading the book was like reading a journalist’s notebook and the narrative was poor. There was a huge cast of characters, many with multiple names.
The story did have some exciting episodes, particularly ED’s attempts to cross the border into Mozambique, the dash to retrieve his briefcase from the border post and the highly professional neutralisation of the Police Support Unit by 1 Para special forces team. Some felt that some of the scenes beggared belief and questioned that the actions of Ellis, Kasper, Angel, Horse and Gabriel played such a major role in the eventual resignation of Mugabe.
The book did however effectively convey the chaotic nature of events, which was probably quite authentic. The influence of social media, rallying support for the march, was impressive and a modern day phenomenon. There were several hints that the Chinese might well have had some part to play in the coup. Whoever had China on their side would win. It seemed that it was no coincidence that General Chiwenga had been in China prior to his return to Zimbabwe to take control of the bloodless coup. He claims that he had no immediate aspirations to be President but unsurprisingly now sits as Vice President. The author paraphrases Milton Friedman’s statement “the important thing is to establish a political climate of opinion which will make it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing”. He claims that on the 18th November 2017, the wrong people, the Zimbabwean military, the country’s war veterans and elements of ZANU-PF actually did the right thing.
Rogers quotes Nelson Chamisa, President of the Movement for Democratic Change as saying “what is the point in partnering with the new regime. They are still ZANU-PF. Same bus, different driver”
For a book that purported to have been impeccably researched, there were no references. For some purists in the group, even although the book is published in the UK, the American spellings of whiskey, color and sulfur was irritating. Overall, most thought the book worthy of just about 3 stars as the author had managed to unearth some sensitive information about a very secretive operation. The book certainly stimulated a good deal of discussion.
One member of the group had earlier circulated an article about modern day Zimbabwe. Little seems to have changed for the average Zimbabwe citizen since Mugabe’s resignation. There are shortages of fuel and rioting and beatings are commonplace leading to some deaths. Internet services are suspended and Twitter is locked down. It comments that Zimbabwe needn’t be poor with its copious minerals, an educated and ambitious population and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. However, the country “is being looted by its government.” Zimbabwe was once regarded as the “breadbasket of Africa” but now is a “basket case.”
This is an extract from a Monthly Book Group review. Our reviews can be found at http://monthlybookgroup.wordpress.com/ or at http://monthlybookgroup.blogspot.com/
The book had been headlined as “The astonishing untold story of the operation that toppled Mugabe.” Our proposer had been inspired to read more after listening to 2 episodes of the book on BBC 4’s “Book of the Week”. Having been duly captivated by the book he felt it worthy of our analysis.
The author had been born in Umtali, Rhodesia in 1968 to Lyn, a lawyer and Rosalind a drama teacher. He grew up on heavily fortified chicken and grape farms during the Rhodesian Bush War. He was schooled in Rhodesia and graduated with a degree in journalism in Rhodes University, South Africa. Following newspaper and radio assignments in Johannesburg he moved to London in 1994 and wrote feature and travel articles for several broadsheets. He settled in the USA in 2003 and has contributed to many of the world’s leading magazines and newspapers. In 2009 he published “The Last Resort: a Memoir of Zimbabwe” to critical acclaim. He currently teaches at the Gothan Writers Workshop.
There was a long discussion about how Africa, despite its vast natural resources seems to remain in the doldrums. One member who had visited Africa several times and had met a good number of top Africans, found them to be rational and deeply intellectual. But corruption amongst leaders and expensive local wars prevented proper investment in infrastructure and distribution of wealth to the masses.
Why had Africa not thrived as much as other continents? Historically, factors such as Africa’s challenging geography prevented easy trade routes being established. There seemed to be a different work ethic compared to northern and far eastern countries. There was a theory that the short growing season in northern Europe led to greater efforts to produce food efficiently whilst in Africa there wasn’t that pressure.
Comment was made on Britain’s support of corrupt regimes who were of commercial or strategic use to us and of bestowing honours on their leaders. We had a habit of conveniently ignoring misdemeanours carried out by these administrations if it suited us. We were reminded that President Mugabe had been given an honorary degree by Edinburgh University in 1984 but this was eventually revoked after years of campaigning about his poor human rights record.
There was general agreement that the journalistic style of writing wasn’t very agreeable. Reading the book was like reading a journalist’s notebook and the narrative was poor. There was a huge cast of characters, many with multiple names.
The story did have some exciting episodes, particularly ED’s attempts to cross the border into Mozambique, the dash to retrieve his briefcase from the border post and the highly professional neutralisation of the Police Support Unit by 1 Para special forces team. Some felt that some of the scenes beggared belief and questioned that the actions of Ellis, Kasper, Angel, Horse and Gabriel played such a major role in the eventual resignation of Mugabe.
The book did however effectively convey the chaotic nature of events, which was probably quite authentic. The influence of social media, rallying support for the march, was impressive and a modern day phenomenon. There were several hints that the Chinese might well have had some part to play in the coup. Whoever had China on their side would win. It seemed that it was no coincidence that General Chiwenga had been in China prior to his return to Zimbabwe to take control of the bloodless coup. He claims that he had no immediate aspirations to be President but unsurprisingly now sits as Vice President. The author paraphrases Milton Friedman’s statement “the important thing is to establish a political climate of opinion which will make it politically profitable for the wrong people to do the right thing”. He claims that on the 18th November 2017, the wrong people, the Zimbabwean military, the country’s war veterans and elements of ZANU-PF actually did the right thing.
Rogers quotes Nelson Chamisa, President of the Movement for Democratic Change as saying “what is the point in partnering with the new regime. They are still ZANU-PF. Same bus, different driver”
For a book that purported to have been impeccably researched, there were no references. For some purists in the group, even although the book is published in the UK, the American spellings of whiskey, color and sulfur was irritating. Overall, most thought the book worthy of just about 3 stars as the author had managed to unearth some sensitive information about a very secretive operation. The book certainly stimulated a good deal of discussion.
One member of the group had earlier circulated an article about modern day Zimbabwe. Little seems to have changed for the average Zimbabwe citizen since Mugabe’s resignation. There are shortages of fuel and rioting and beatings are commonplace leading to some deaths. Internet services are suspended and Twitter is locked down. It comments that Zimbabwe needn’t be poor with its copious minerals, an educated and ambitious population and some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. However, the country “is being looted by its government.” Zimbabwe was once regarded as the “breadbasket of Africa” but now is a “basket case.”
This is an extract from a Monthly Book Group review. Our reviews can be found at http://monthlybookgroup.wordpress.com/ or at http://monthlybookgroup.blogspot.com/
April 5, 2019
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
Description: A thrilling, surreal, unbelievable and sometimes even funny true story of four would-be enemies who team up to help unseat one of Africa’s longest serving dictators, Robert Mugabe.
What begins as an improbable adventure destined for failure, marked by a mixture of bravery, strategic cunning and bumbling naiveté, soon turns into the most sophisticated political-military operation in African history.
A high ranking politician, an exiled human rights lawyer, a dangerous spy and a low-key white businessman turned political fixer. By virtue of their being together, the unlikely team of misfit rivals is suddenly in position to spin what might have been seen as an illegal coup into a mass popular uprising that the world – and millions of Zimbabweans – will enthusiastically support.
The author Douglas Rogers is an award-winning journalist and travel writer who wrote The Last Resort: A memoir of Zimbabwe. He was born and raised in Zimbabwe and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Read by Joseph Kloska
Abridged by Polly Coles
Produced by Clive Brill
April 11, 2019
From BBC Radio 4 - Book of the week:
A thrilling, surreal, unbelievable and sometimes even funny true story of four would-be enemies who team up to help unseat one of Africa’s longest serving dictators, Robert Mugabe.
What begins as an improbable adventure destined for failure, marked by a mixture of bravery, strategic cunning and bumbling naiveté, soon turns into the most sophisticated political-military operation in African history.
A high ranking politician, an exiled human rights lawyer, a dangerous spy and a low-key white businessman turned political fixer. By virtue of their being together, the unlikely team of misfit rivals is suddenly in position to spin what might have been seen as an illegal coup into a mass popular uprising that the world – and millions of Zimbabweans – will enthusiastically support.
The author Douglas Rogers is an award-winning journalist and travel writer who wrote The Last Resort: A memoir of Zimbabwe. He was born and raised in Zimbabwe and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Read by Joseph Kloska
Abridged by Polly Coles
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
A thrilling, surreal, unbelievable and sometimes even funny true story of four would-be enemies who team up to help unseat one of Africa’s longest serving dictators, Robert Mugabe.
What begins as an improbable adventure destined for failure, marked by a mixture of bravery, strategic cunning and bumbling naiveté, soon turns into the most sophisticated political-military operation in African history.
A high ranking politician, an exiled human rights lawyer, a dangerous spy and a low-key white businessman turned political fixer. By virtue of their being together, the unlikely team of misfit rivals is suddenly in position to spin what might have been seen as an illegal coup into a mass popular uprising that the world – and millions of Zimbabweans – will enthusiastically support.
The author Douglas Rogers is an award-winning journalist and travel writer who wrote The Last Resort: A memoir of Zimbabwe. He was born and raised in Zimbabwe and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Read by Joseph Kloska
Abridged by Polly Coles
Produced by Clive Brill
A Brill production for BBC Radio 4
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
Want to read
March 22, 201922 MAR 2019 - a recommendation through Dear Laura. Many Thanks.
Listen here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
Listen here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000...
June 18, 2019
Its an easy and nicely flowing read. However, I find that the book has relatively very few new insights. I guess that was inevitable for two reasons:
1. I followed this coup very closely online whilst it was unfolding
2. that the army refused to shade more light on the matter.
My only problem with the book is that it brings people in the forefront who played very periphery and auxiliary roles in this coup, giving the false impression that they were key members in the plot. But that said its good read.
1. I followed this coup very closely online whilst it was unfolding
2. that the army refused to shade more light on the matter.
My only problem with the book is that it brings people in the forefront who played very periphery and auxiliary roles in this coup, giving the false impression that they were key members in the plot. But that said its good read.
July 25, 2021
This is a surprisingly fun, fast-paced read about how the preparation and endgame around the fall of Robert Mugabe played out. As you’d expect, the speed with which it was produced - and what will have been totally chaotic happenings on-the-ground - make the final 100 pages or so quite hard to follow, and there’s definitely a sense that the narrator is less than completely reliable. The book is at its best when taking you through the internal power struggles within Zanu PF and the Zimbabwean military, and is worth a read for anyone curious as to how Mugabe eventually fell.
February 9, 2020
The book reads like a script from a Jack Bauer movie, it reminds me of the other account of the coup, "In the jaws of the crocodile" by Ray ndlovu. The book starts of quite slow and then picks up and identifies people who partook of the removal of Mugabe outside of the army. The book more or less outlines those who created a social media narrative on removing Mugabe. perhaps the disappointing aspect of the book is that it does not have detail about what happened within the army and how the coup was planned. Perhaps a point to note is that the book contradicts a paper by Miles Tendi. While the book posits that the coup was long in planning the paper by MIles Tendi posits that the coup was planned at short notice. The book, in my view, is a combination of truth and dramatisation though it does add a different lens to viewing the events that led to November 17 2017.
June 11, 2020
I would give this book 6 stars if I could. Having watched the changing of the guard from overseas news, as so many others born in Zim but no longer living there; I was not as familiar with the details of the non-coup outside of what was reported. So found this a fascinating and brilliantly composed read.
Sadly I had no faith in the change though, and recall dousing my, still Zim based, uncle’s positivity in echoes of the author’s mum’s sentiments...”same bus, different driver”. The man who oversaw the brutality of the Mugabe regime, is not the right leader for change in Zimbabwe.
However, an interesting read, especially that it is possible for thought and peaceful action to bring about change, albeit so short lived. So I may not completely lose hope there will be a real change in my lifetime.
In the words of pain from the country to the south, Cry My Beloved Country.
Sadly I had no faith in the change though, and recall dousing my, still Zim based, uncle’s positivity in echoes of the author’s mum’s sentiments...”same bus, different driver”. The man who oversaw the brutality of the Mugabe regime, is not the right leader for change in Zimbabwe.
However, an interesting read, especially that it is possible for thought and peaceful action to bring about change, albeit so short lived. So I may not completely lose hope there will be a real change in my lifetime.
In the words of pain from the country to the south, Cry My Beloved Country.
Read
October 29, 2019A thrilling read - hard to believe that all the shenanigans of this 'coup' happened under our noses. Also, a chilling insight into just how crooked politics is. Made all the more relevant for me as I grew up in Zim, in the northern suburbs of Harare. In fact many of the areas described in the book were stomping grounds for my husband and me. We now live in South Africa and it was fascinating to see the link between the two countries. We're guessing that we probably know 'Tom'. We're about the same age.
Thank you Douglas.
Thank you Douglas.
May 25, 2019
Well researched and author provides apt description of character and places. One is drawn into the belly underworld of politics just few pages into the book. Tells the dramatic events of a Coup that's not a coup with a dose a dark comic relief balanced by a sobering and harsh reality of living a world where not matter the vision or goal, nothing changes to improve the lives of both civilians and loyalists of an old regime.
April 7, 2020
This was a great book. It paints a vivid picture of politics in Zimbabwe, and gets you googling the pseudo coup that ended Mugabe's reign. The plot is incredible and fast paced, the characters gripping. There's so much of Zimbabwe's history it touches, the farm seizures, the outings of opposition leaders, the Gukurahundi is mentioned. Loved it!
June 1, 2019
This book reads like a thriller. It's well written and an interesting account about the dramatic events that rocked Zimbabwe and ended Mugabe's rule. Perhaps there is a little bit too much emphasis on "heros" and boys & girls adventure side to it, but it's an astonishing story nevertheless.
July 30, 2019
Very detailed account of the preceding events of a coup that was not a coup. I have lived in Zimbabwe all my life but I found myself questioning whether these events really occurred in my country or Douglas Rogers copied the plot from some James Bond Movie. Reeling!
July 18, 2019
Finally, a read I could not put down. Finished in less than 24hours!!
January 2, 2020
Very insightful and well written.
June 28, 2021
Very good read. Should eventually be scripted into a movie of sorts.
November 13, 2021
I have finished a reading “Two Weeks in November: The astonishing untold story of the operation that toppled Mugabe” by Douglas Rogers
“Politics is the art of getting the wrong people to do the right thing”.
Douglas Rogers
In November 2017, after years of dictatorial rule, President of Zimbabwe and former freedom fighter Robert Gabriel Mugabe resigned from office. In so doing he ended nearly 37 years of continuous authoritarian rule. This book written as a historical narrative, which reads like a thriller, recalls the thoughts and actions of the main and minor players around the November 2017 coup which led to Mugabe’s resignation.
The lives of Zimbabwean refugees in South Africa range from the settled, the impatient and the persecuted. Destitute refugees are often forced to compete with South Africans for jobs in an already fraught labour market. Other Zimbabweans have tried to make a life for themselves, even as a part of them instinctively keep one eye on their home. One of these is Tom Ellis. While Ellis has a day job with his own building maintenance company, outside of that he is a networker for Zimbabwean exiles and potential resistors. This work attracted the unwelcome attention of agents of the Zimbabwean Government. Realising he was being tailed, Ellis took a risk, he simply walked up to the agents and asked them out for a drink. This was the start of a very consequential relationship.
Using contacts between Ellis and one of the agents they started to build up a network aimed at toppling Mugabe and preventing the rise of his wife. Christopher Mutsvangwa, the representative of the Zimbabwean War Veterans was only too pleased to help.
The battle lines within Mugabe’s party ZANU-PF had been drawn for a while. Generation 40 (G40), said to represent the aspirations of younger party loyalists was led by Mugabe’s controversial wife First Lady Grace Mugabe. Grace was known for her violent and insulting rhetoric against opponents and her infamous spending sprees on luxuries in a country where people struggle to feed themselves. She is unflatteringly known by various names such as; Dis-grace, Lady Gaga, Gucci Grace and the First Shopper. Opposing them was the Lacoste faction which mainly consisted of the military and war veterans. Their champion was and still is the then VP Emmerson Mnangagwa. A showdown was coming. In November 2017 it came. Mugabe fired Mnangagwa, laying the way open for Grace to succeed him. After typing a solemn response Mnangagwa received an anonymous phone call just like something out of a thriller movie. The caller said; leave town or you will be killed. Thus, setting off the 2 weeks that would lead to a coup and a revolution.
In conclusion, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is written in such a way that it keeps the reader abreast of all the relevant background details, while at the same time colouring in the characters and pushing the action on like in a riveting Hollywood thriller. It is also very blunt in how it portrays the characters. Very few of those close to power in this story are good. Mnangagwa is Mugabe’s former torturer and executor of his genocide against tribal enemies during the 1980s. Christopher Mutsvangwa is a war veteran who forced white farmers off of their land and directed violence against pro-democracy activists when he still believed in Mugabe. As for General Constantine Chiwenga (now VP), he has blood on his hands from years of repression and was only motivated into action against Mugabe when the paranoid dictator tried to have him arrested. This gave Mugabe’s enemies in the military an excuse to pull off a coup which was never called one as such. There are very few good guys in this story and some suffer immensely before they come out the other side. And at the end of it all Zimbabwe still isn’t a functioning democracy. But this is one hell of a tale.
Robert Mugabe ultimately died of cancer in 2019. He died in Singapore where he had treatment, due to his government running the Zimbabwean health system into the ground. Sometimes the world really is a better place without some people.
“Politics is the art of getting the wrong people to do the right thing”.
Douglas Rogers
In November 2017, after years of dictatorial rule, President of Zimbabwe and former freedom fighter Robert Gabriel Mugabe resigned from office. In so doing he ended nearly 37 years of continuous authoritarian rule. This book written as a historical narrative, which reads like a thriller, recalls the thoughts and actions of the main and minor players around the November 2017 coup which led to Mugabe’s resignation.
The lives of Zimbabwean refugees in South Africa range from the settled, the impatient and the persecuted. Destitute refugees are often forced to compete with South Africans for jobs in an already fraught labour market. Other Zimbabweans have tried to make a life for themselves, even as a part of them instinctively keep one eye on their home. One of these is Tom Ellis. While Ellis has a day job with his own building maintenance company, outside of that he is a networker for Zimbabwean exiles and potential resistors. This work attracted the unwelcome attention of agents of the Zimbabwean Government. Realising he was being tailed, Ellis took a risk, he simply walked up to the agents and asked them out for a drink. This was the start of a very consequential relationship.
Using contacts between Ellis and one of the agents they started to build up a network aimed at toppling Mugabe and preventing the rise of his wife. Christopher Mutsvangwa, the representative of the Zimbabwean War Veterans was only too pleased to help.
The battle lines within Mugabe’s party ZANU-PF had been drawn for a while. Generation 40 (G40), said to represent the aspirations of younger party loyalists was led by Mugabe’s controversial wife First Lady Grace Mugabe. Grace was known for her violent and insulting rhetoric against opponents and her infamous spending sprees on luxuries in a country where people struggle to feed themselves. She is unflatteringly known by various names such as; Dis-grace, Lady Gaga, Gucci Grace and the First Shopper. Opposing them was the Lacoste faction which mainly consisted of the military and war veterans. Their champion was and still is the then VP Emmerson Mnangagwa. A showdown was coming. In November 2017 it came. Mugabe fired Mnangagwa, laying the way open for Grace to succeed him. After typing a solemn response Mnangagwa received an anonymous phone call just like something out of a thriller movie. The caller said; leave town or you will be killed. Thus, setting off the 2 weeks that would lead to a coup and a revolution.
In conclusion, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It is written in such a way that it keeps the reader abreast of all the relevant background details, while at the same time colouring in the characters and pushing the action on like in a riveting Hollywood thriller. It is also very blunt in how it portrays the characters. Very few of those close to power in this story are good. Mnangagwa is Mugabe’s former torturer and executor of his genocide against tribal enemies during the 1980s. Christopher Mutsvangwa is a war veteran who forced white farmers off of their land and directed violence against pro-democracy activists when he still believed in Mugabe. As for General Constantine Chiwenga (now VP), he has blood on his hands from years of repression and was only motivated into action against Mugabe when the paranoid dictator tried to have him arrested. This gave Mugabe’s enemies in the military an excuse to pull off a coup which was never called one as such. There are very few good guys in this story and some suffer immensely before they come out the other side. And at the end of it all Zimbabwe still isn’t a functioning democracy. But this is one hell of a tale.
Robert Mugabe ultimately died of cancer in 2019. He died in Singapore where he had treatment, due to his government running the Zimbabwean health system into the ground. Sometimes the world really is a better place without some people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2021
First of all, this book isn't mine. My husband received it from a coworker but somehow ended up on my library shelf. I have been eyeing it for a while, even though it is not my type of genre. However, I was intrigued. I don't know too much about the politics in Zimbabwe and South Africa but what I do like is suspense, crime, a coup, and secret intelligence.
This book is a true story about how four unlikely characters created a coup that toppled the dictator (president) Mugabe in Zimbabwe. Mugabe served as president from 1987 to 2017, and towards the end of his tenure with his wife, Grace created a dictatorship that destroyed the nation's people, the heart, and economy. Once upon a time, he fought for democracy but ended up being the same type of person he fought against, a dictator. But, as I always say, hell is paved with good intentions. Mugabe had good intentions at first, but greed, corruption, and power turned him into one of the most feared presidents, and he had to be stopped before his wife took over the presidency.
This book, written in great detail, told us how Mugabe resigned and the coup was created and implemented the shakedown. The facts are something that Hollywood would have made if they had a chance, and it was seamless. An interesting read indeed, especially since I would not necessarily pick this up at the book store. However, at the end of the book and today, I feel bad for Zimbabwe's people. It does seem that this coup was smoke and mirrors, and the new president is ED is more dangerous than Mugabe. Hopefully, that country can become united as the day they marched the streets in 2017. Good luck to all.
This book is a true story about how four unlikely characters created a coup that toppled the dictator (president) Mugabe in Zimbabwe. Mugabe served as president from 1987 to 2017, and towards the end of his tenure with his wife, Grace created a dictatorship that destroyed the nation's people, the heart, and economy. Once upon a time, he fought for democracy but ended up being the same type of person he fought against, a dictator. But, as I always say, hell is paved with good intentions. Mugabe had good intentions at first, but greed, corruption, and power turned him into one of the most feared presidents, and he had to be stopped before his wife took over the presidency.
This book, written in great detail, told us how Mugabe resigned and the coup was created and implemented the shakedown. The facts are something that Hollywood would have made if they had a chance, and it was seamless. An interesting read indeed, especially since I would not necessarily pick this up at the book store. However, at the end of the book and today, I feel bad for Zimbabwe's people. It does seem that this coup was smoke and mirrors, and the new president is ED is more dangerous than Mugabe. Hopefully, that country can become united as the day they marched the streets in 2017. Good luck to all.
December 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book, an easy read and nice flow of events.
Major take aways in this book
1) the 'revolution' was not people's centred. Was just a tussle between Lacoste Factiom, led by Emmerson Mnangagwa & Zimbabwe Liberation war veterans Association (ZLWVA) against G-40 (Generation 40, a group of people who are under 40) faction led by Grace Mugabe. The Lacoste faction with support of some Military didn't want to see Grace Mugabe as a 'heir' of her husband’s Presidency. Grace isn't a war veterans, to them it's a disqualification for presidency. This made also, MDC party (opposition party) to support the 'coup' mainly to remove Mugabe.
2) In the light of above point, no 'major changes' are to be expected in Zimbabwe as revolution was just power struggle within ZANU-PF party.
✍️We opened prized bottles of red wine and guzzled them like water that night, marvelling at the events of the last ten days.
I have to say it’s strange to be supporting Mnangagwa,” said my 82-year-old father. “It’s like watching a snake eat another snake.” A common enemy is a galvanising thing, though.
My mother was more circumspect, as was always her way. “It is exciting, but even if Bob goes it’ll be the same bus – just a different driver. Mark my words.” Those were her final words on Zimbabwean politics."--page 100
The ongoing incidents where the government is crushing the dissidents, proves this.
I wish to get the millitary side of the story.
Comment
Major take aways in this book
1) the 'revolution' was not people's centred. Was just a tussle between Lacoste Factiom, led by Emmerson Mnangagwa & Zimbabwe Liberation war veterans Association (ZLWVA) against G-40 (Generation 40, a group of people who are under 40) faction led by Grace Mugabe. The Lacoste faction with support of some Military didn't want to see Grace Mugabe as a 'heir' of her husband’s Presidency. Grace isn't a war veterans, to them it's a disqualification for presidency. This made also, MDC party (opposition party) to support the 'coup' mainly to remove Mugabe.
2) In the light of above point, no 'major changes' are to be expected in Zimbabwe as revolution was just power struggle within ZANU-PF party.
✍️We opened prized bottles of red wine and guzzled them like water that night, marvelling at the events of the last ten days.
I have to say it’s strange to be supporting Mnangagwa,” said my 82-year-old father. “It’s like watching a snake eat another snake.” A common enemy is a galvanising thing, though.
My mother was more circumspect, as was always her way. “It is exciting, but even if Bob goes it’ll be the same bus – just a different driver. Mark my words.” Those were her final words on Zimbabwean politics."--page 100
The ongoing incidents where the government is crushing the dissidents, proves this.
I wish to get the millitary side of the story.
Comment
November 12, 2022
A great read on a subject previously difficult to get a real handle on.
Tragic failure snatched from the jaws of victory. Is it just Africa where every toppled despot is succeeded by another? Although slightly less violent than the Zim vetsion, the political parties and governments in the USA, UK, China and the old Soviet Union seem to be dominated by similar almost "Royal Families" of political figures, with, as Rogers points out, "deadwood" in the cabinets. The real leaders, Mandelas and Gorbachovs, are failed and undermined by the greedy and ambitious. Maybe Political Leadership should should be compulsory, like Jury Service in the UK. A lottery of names for the top jobs to introduce new blood and ideas. A recipe for chaos? Haha could it be any worse or farcical than what we have just enjoyed in the UK?
The novel "Grasping the Nettle" touched on what could happen in Zimbabwe if the dynastic power cycle was broken and a truly popular competent president and goverment emerged. The American Right to bear arms is for the citizens to protect themselves...
From the Government.
Tragic failure snatched from the jaws of victory. Is it just Africa where every toppled despot is succeeded by another? Although slightly less violent than the Zim vetsion, the political parties and governments in the USA, UK, China and the old Soviet Union seem to be dominated by similar almost "Royal Families" of political figures, with, as Rogers points out, "deadwood" in the cabinets. The real leaders, Mandelas and Gorbachovs, are failed and undermined by the greedy and ambitious. Maybe Political Leadership should should be compulsory, like Jury Service in the UK. A lottery of names for the top jobs to introduce new blood and ideas. A recipe for chaos? Haha could it be any worse or farcical than what we have just enjoyed in the UK?
The novel "Grasping the Nettle" touched on what could happen in Zimbabwe if the dynastic power cycle was broken and a truly popular competent president and goverment emerged. The American Right to bear arms is for the citizens to protect themselves...
From the Government.
November 11, 2019
So, how did it come to pass that after 37 years of ruling Zimbabwe with an iron fist, with all that entails in African Big Man politics, did it come to be than Robert Mugabe stepped away from the presidency to be replaced by his deputy. The same deputy who had fled the country for his life just two weeks before ?
The author presents his understanding of what came to pass. There are many works on that time in Nov 2017, this is seen as having an insight and input from those who might not first come to mind, and how they influenced the events.
It is an engaging work. Is it insightful? Does it provide pieces to the complex puzzle that is a western system of government atop a multi tribal society that has occupied these lands for millennia ? That is for you the reader to judge, and this to an extent to this readers eye, is why it is likely that a pre-existing level of understanding or knowledge of Zimbabwean politics and indeed Zimbabwe (and perhaps Rhodesia) would add weight to a reading.
With a basic background, this is a 4 star work.
The author presents his understanding of what came to pass. There are many works on that time in Nov 2017, this is seen as having an insight and input from those who might not first come to mind, and how they influenced the events.
It is an engaging work. Is it insightful? Does it provide pieces to the complex puzzle that is a western system of government atop a multi tribal society that has occupied these lands for millennia ? That is for you the reader to judge, and this to an extent to this readers eye, is why it is likely that a pre-existing level of understanding or knowledge of Zimbabwean politics and indeed Zimbabwe (and perhaps Rhodesia) would add weight to a reading.
With a basic background, this is a 4 star work.
August 28, 2019
Dogs of War meets House of Cards meets The Usual Suspects.
Douglas Rogers has written the hilariously tragic 'The Last Resort', about how his parents were coping with the deterioration of Zimbabwe.
Here he set out to write a similarly tragicomic story about the current state of the country, but instead stumbled over a much bigger story - an insider view into the coup that deposed Mugabe. An unlikely coalition of insiders and outsiders, civilians and military, spies and lawyers plot to overthrow the aging despot, and actually succeed in actual "regime-change", without (many) shots fired.
In the end, the former vice-president Mnangagwa was installed as president, and the situation on the ground appears to be not much different from under Mugabe.
Douglas Rogers has written the hilariously tragic 'The Last Resort', about how his parents were coping with the deterioration of Zimbabwe.
Here he set out to write a similarly tragicomic story about the current state of the country, but instead stumbled over a much bigger story - an insider view into the coup that deposed Mugabe. An unlikely coalition of insiders and outsiders, civilians and military, spies and lawyers plot to overthrow the aging despot, and actually succeed in actual "regime-change", without (many) shots fired.
In the end, the former vice-president Mnangagwa was installed as president, and the situation on the ground appears to be not much different from under Mugabe.
February 28, 2021
The coup that was not a coup...
"We are only targeting criminals around the president" I remember watching this press conference on social media and feeling a wave of excitement that things were getting real.
This book felt like I was watching a James Bond movie or Mission impossible with Tom Cruise doing all his stunts. The author really knows how to keep you intrigued. Never once did I ever think that such action would take place in our quiet peaceful country. It was well organised, well planned and well thought out coup not a coup. Lol I even marched the streets demonstrating against Mugabe. More-so, when he resigned. It was the dawn of a new era, we thought freedom had come at last till did we know this was .
"We are only targeting criminals around the president" I remember watching this press conference on social media and feeling a wave of excitement that things were getting real.
This book felt like I was watching a James Bond movie or Mission impossible with Tom Cruise doing all his stunts. The author really knows how to keep you intrigued. Never once did I ever think that such action would take place in our quiet peaceful country. It was well organised, well planned and well thought out coup not a coup. Lol I even marched the streets demonstrating against Mugabe. More-so, when he resigned. It was the dawn of a new era, we thought freedom had come at last till did we know this was .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2019
Worth three stars because the author has dug out some (presumably) very hard to access information about a very secretive operation. Since I remember quite recent news broadcasts from the time when Robert Mugabe resigned as President of Zimbabwe, the story held some immediate interest. I struggled a little with the large cast of characters - and no doubt there were others involved in the 'coup that was not a coup' who don't get mentioned much. Although there was some hint of optimism in the uniting of old enemies to fight a common cause to get Zimbabwe back on its feet, nevertheless the whole exercise has probably just replaced one set of kleptocrats with another.
July 18, 2019
3.5, rounding up to 4 because I laughed so much, and because it's always nice to read about things you know. Quite entertaining. Some of it is really silly. A few lightbulb moments made it worth reading. I feel it will make me smile for a long time. Don't read it expecting any great insights, unless you experienced no part of the events leading up to, and of Nov 2017.
Ps. Some race-related things are pretty cringeworthy. Taking them at face value.
Ps. Some race-related things are pretty cringeworthy. Taking them at face value.
February 17, 2020
The book is about the deposing of Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's dictator for 37 years -2 years of planning that culminated in the 2 weeks in 2017.
There was intriguing plotting by a huge cast of disparate characters from all sides of the political sphere, countries and familial ties.
I will remember more or less how the events transpired but feel vague about the names and details - the scenario is vivid, but the details forgettable!
There was intriguing plotting by a huge cast of disparate characters from all sides of the political sphere, countries and familial ties.
I will remember more or less how the events transpired but feel vague about the names and details - the scenario is vivid, but the details forgettable!
October 11, 2023
Non Fiction - Zimbabwe:
Absolutely astonishing! This was easy to read and tells the story of the men behind the 'toppling' of Mugabe. A coup that wasn't a coup. It read more like a political thriller than non-fiction. Often it is hard to follow the thread in books like this when the details are so intricate and there are so many names, dates and places. I didn't find this was the case in this book.
Absolutely astonishing! This was easy to read and tells the story of the men behind the 'toppling' of Mugabe. A coup that wasn't a coup. It read more like a political thriller than non-fiction. Often it is hard to follow the thread in books like this when the details are so intricate and there are so many names, dates and places. I didn't find this was the case in this book.
July 20, 2019
Zimbabwe - where truth is often stranger than fiction. Being part of the large Zimbabwean diaspora, I really enjoyed this 'behind the scenes' look at the country's momentous events of November 2017. I would recommend 'Two weeks in November' to anyone interested in the recent history of Southern Africa, in particular, Zimbabwe.
March 19, 2021
Politics is the art of persuasion. We like to believe we are rational, sober minded people, but we are driven by emotion and great political moments appeal to the irrational in us - the heart.
After 37 years of rule by one man, Zimbabwe had a new leader and a fresh chance. I draw so many parallels with the current situation in Uganda and like Zimbabwe that cycle just needs to be broken.
After 37 years of rule by one man, Zimbabwe had a new leader and a fresh chance. I draw so many parallels with the current situation in Uganda and like Zimbabwe that cycle just needs to be broken.
April 21, 2024
Fun, a little cheesy, not sure how accurate. Recommended by a friend who I guess figured out that MI6 was backing the coup while doing a summer research program. Pretty baller, will need to pick his brain some more. Important to remember he's a white Zimbabwean who wasn't actually there for any of this (despite him inserting himself in at various points).
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