Fathers of Nations

by Paul B. Vitta

Genres: School, Modern

242 pages, Hardcover

First published September 30, 2013

About the author

Paul Vitta was born in Tanzania. He received his PhD in physics from Emory University and was a professor of physics at the University of Dar es Salaam. Later he worked for the African Regional Center for Technology in Senegal. Then he moved to the International Development Research Center in Canada. Before he retired, he was Director of UNESCO's Regional Office for Science and Technology in Africa.

Reviews

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Yet Africa is Africa. It comes at you from both directions: from right and from wrong. As if to confound you,it confronts you with both opposites on every issue- good and evil, Nelson Mandela and Idi Amin, wealth and poverty, peace and war, but especially yes and no."

The highlight of this book is a summit attended at Gambia by African Heads of State. They are there to discuss Way Omega, a way to develop Africa, but one thing is certain- since when have heads set aside their self interest for their citizens and this book gives us insight on what aiks Africa; the corruption and the impunity that urges it, fanning its flames.

There are 4 people; Professor Kimani from Kenya, Pastor Chiamaka from Nigeria, Melusi from Zimbabwe, and Engineer Tahir from Libya. Each has suffered for speaking up against their states and each holds a grudge, a clear view and understanding of impunity and what it means to be on the losing side when battling a government. They are approached with a new outlook, a proposal that rivals Way Omega and it's called Path Alpha.

The symbolism in this book is enough to make you sit back and marvel at how as Africans we have accepted the status quo. It's an enjoyable read and above all, it speaks to the frustrations we still experience in Africa under corrupt leadership.

[David]

Very interesting book

[Reenox]

Blah blah blah

[Dariru Takayoahi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, the characters were only significant for their backstories and did absolutely nothing when given 2 MINUTES to speak. The whole scramble in the end feels rushed and meaningless. The overall point of the book seems to lay within the backstories of these four characters whose purpose still seems insignificant. Good job on highlighting the shortcomings of African leadership, but plot? Character depth? Meaning????

[Nyorotha Wang'Ombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

African political satire at its best.

[Jay]

Good

[Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic at its very best

[Abdallah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I what to read

[Naff Owiti]

How do I read this now?

[Betty Kendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book

[Nabutse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Want to read

[Caleb Nyaga]

Good book

[John Okello · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my best

[Broski Wa]

Nice

[CALEB MWANGOME · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that satirically spills everything into the open and mirrors our today's Africa.

[Nettabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Africa can never salvage itself from it's rich, yet poor state, whether they engage in conferences or not. Most of these countries' fathers dislike each other-hence, unity is overrated.

Take Kenya for instance, there are numerous changes taking place in the constitution that obviously favor the political "fathers"- like BBI and Handshakes. Such initiatives promise to develop the nation; the majority of the citizens are ignorant of how the changes will affect them in future, but are not sure whether to remain in their current state of livelihoods. The law changers are fully aware of the game, and decide to silently manipulate the citizens.

Its ironical how the leaders clear the streets, making them look attractive with pavements, letting the masses suffer. Its interesting how innocent lives are lost and the police hide the crimes under the grass carpets. Its fascinating that the poor will always remain poor, and that development is an overstatement!

Its a MUST READ! I can't wait to teach it to any of my students!