My interest in Cromwell was aroused by the drama series, The Tudors. A tv series I watched religiously, more than a decade ago. Thomas Cromwell featurMy interest in Cromwell was aroused by the drama series, The Tudors. A tv series I watched religiously, more than a decade ago. Thomas Cromwell featured prominently in that series and I came to love and hate him in equal measure. Thus, when I accidentally bumped into this book by Tracy Borman, I immediately, decided to read it.
Tracy is an author, a Tudor historian, a broadcaster and a joint Chief Curator at Historic Royal Palaces. In this book, she gives a comprehensive and engaging biography of Cromwell, one of the most influential figures in English history. A man from humble origins, who rose to become king Henry's right-hand man and master of the king's affairs, at time when success was determined mostly by being blue blooded. Drawing on a wealth of sources, including among many, Cromwell's own letters and official records, she illustrates lucidly a glowing portrait of Cromwell's life, career and legacy.
The biography is not only a fascinating account of Cromwell's life, but also a rich and detailed exploration of the Tudor world he inhabited. She brings to life the complex and turbulent politics, religion, and culture of Henry VIII's court, as well as the daily lives of ordinary people in the 16th-century England. She also traces Cromwell's impact on subsequent generations, from his role in shaping the English Reformation to his portrayal in literature and film.
Borman does not shy away from the darker aspects of Cromwell's character and actions, such as his ruthless ambition, corruption and brutality. He was feared and hated by the common man, despised by the aristocrats and loathed by the devoted Catholics in the English realm and beyond. She acknowledges the limitations and biases of the historical evidence, for much of it was influenced by those who sent Cromwell to his death and or by later biased re-interpretations of the 16th century.
However, she also shows that Cromwell was a complex and multifaceted figure, who had a genuine devotion to Henry and to the common welfare of the state. He was loyal to a fault to his benefactors, family and friends and generous to his servants and the poor. A man of great intelligence and a remarkable talent for administration, who was interested in learning and culture.
I found the book very informative and enjoyable to read. It is well-researched and well-written, giving a well-balanced perspective on Cromwell. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Tudor history or in Cromwell's fascinating story. ...more
A refreshing and engaging perspective on the history of the Ottoman Empire. The book challenges the common stereotypes and misconceptions that portrayA refreshing and engaging perspective on the history of the Ottoman Empire. The book challenges the common stereotypes and misconceptions that portray the Ottomans as a monolithic, backward, and oppressive Islamic power that was hostile to the Christian-European West. Instead, Baer shows how the Ottomans were a diverse, dynamic, and tolerant empire that integrated many cultures, religions, and languages into their Eurasian domain.
Baer traces the origins of the Ottoman dynasty from its humble beginnings as a nomadic tribe in Anatolia to its rise as a super power, a global empire that spanned three continents and six centuries. He highlights the Ottoman heritage of Byzantine-Roman, Turco-Mongol, and Muslim influences, and how they shaped the Ottoman identity and worldview. He also explores the Ottoman practices of religious conversion, patronage, diplomacy, warfare, reform, succession politics which culminated into fratricide and how they changed over time in response to internal and external challenges and eventually the empire collapsed and how Turkey emerged in the aftermath with its present characteristics.
The Ottomans is not only a comprehensive and authoritative account of Ottoman history, but also a captivating and compelling story of human interactions, conflicts, and achievements. Baer writes with clarity, flair, and passion, drawing on rich sources and vivid anecdotes to bring the Ottoman past to life. He also connects the Ottoman legacy to the present-day issues and debates. Be it the acceptance of Turkey in the EU, the problems in Palestine or the Russia-Ukraine conflict over Crimea.
The Ottomans is an ideal read for students of history and those interested in learning more about this fascinating empire and how its existence helped shape modern Eurasia. The book challenged some of the negative ideas and assumptions I had over the Ottoman empire which I had accumulated from reading European history. Thoroughly enjoyed the book....more
The book explores the legacy of Genghis Khan and his impact on European and Asian civilizations through his Mongol Empire. Challenging the commonly heThe book explores the legacy of Genghis Khan and his impact on European and Asian civilizations through his Mongol Empire. Challenging the commonly held European view of Genghis Khan as a ruthless barbarian, the book portrays him as a visionary leader who unified diverse peoples, promoted religious tolerance, fostered trade and commerce, and supported science and innovation.
The book is divided into three parts: The Reign of Terror, The Global Awakening, and The Twilight of the Mongols. The first part covers the early life of Genghis Khan, his rise and his conquests of China, Central Asia, and Persia. A remarkable story of a man who rose from an ancient tribal past to shape the modern world in more ways than we can imagine, and more than any other character in modern history. His legal code and administrative system were a novel to the world. He was surely a man, ¨strong in body, brave in spirit, quick in action, wise in counsel, generous to his friends and fierce to his enemies¨.
The second part traces the influence of Genghis Khan's descendants, who expanded his empire to cover most of Asia and parts of Europe, and established a Pax Mongolica that facilitated cultural exchange and cooperation among its different regions. They continued expanding the empire and established new dynasties in China, Persia, Russia, and India. The author citing the writings of Juvayni and Rashid al-Din, two Persian historians who witnessed and recorded the Mongol invasions, writes "The Mongols were not only conquerors but also civilizers. They brought peace and order to a world that had been torn by war and strife. They encouraged learning and culture among their subjects. They respected the religions and customs of the people they ruled."
The third part discusses the decline and fragmentation of the Mongol Empire due to internal conflicts, external threats, and natural disasters, and its lasting effects on world history. The author uses modern archaeological and genetic evidence to reveal new aspects of Mongol culture and identity. Indeed the Mongols left behind a rich legacy that is still visible today. They fashioned the geography and demography of Eurasia, influencing the languages and religions of many nations in the process.
It is true that great actors of history are difficult to tuck inside the covers of a single book. For the impact of their actions linger well after they have passed. However, Jack Weatherford outdid himself in this book. The story is very detailed and well written, making it a very interesting and engaging read that is accessible to a wide audience. The book was not a pure recounting of events but also a balanced and nuanced analysis on Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire. Highlighting both the good and bad. More importantly, challenging the western gaze that has been riddled with many stereotypes and myths. The book is certainly a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about one of the most influential figures and civilizations in world history. ...more
Operation Gladio: The Unholy Alliance Between the Vatican, the CIA, and the Mafia is a book by Paul L. Williams that exposes the dark history of a secOperation Gladio: The Unholy Alliance Between the Vatican, the CIA, and the Mafia is a book by Paul L. Williams that exposes the dark history of a secret network of paramilitary groups that operated in Europe after World War II. Gladio was the codename for these clandestine "stay-behind" operations of armed resistance that were organized by the Western Union (precursor of NATO) and the CIA, as a precautionary measure, in case the Axis overpowered the Allied forces. However, Germany and Italy were defeated, and the focus of the CIA and these groups immediately turned to the Soviet Union and communism.
The groups were involved in assassinations, coups, false flag attacks, and other covert operations across Europe to counter the perceived threat of communism. Williams draws on declassified documents, testimonies, and journalistic investigations to reveal that these groups were trained and funded by the CIA through drug money that was laundered clean through the Vatican bank.
The book is a comprehensive and well-researched account of a controversial and complex topic. Williams does not shy away from exposing the crimes and corruption of powerful institutions and individuals, providing ample evidence and sources to back up his claims. He also explores the historical and political context of Gladio's emergence and evolution, showing how it influenced the course of European and global history. The book is very informative, I would say more suited for scholars than for popular reading. While the book unravels a web of intrigue, conspiracy, and violence that spans through decades and across continents, it is bogged down in too much detail to be thrilling and captivating.
The book should appeal to anyone interested in history, politics, the Catholic Church, espionage, and or crime. It is a book that will make the reader challenge their own assumptions and question what they know about the morals of the US government and the Roman Catholic church. It is a book that will expose the reader to a hidden reality that is both fascinating and frightening. ...more
As an African, I was eager to read Prevail by Jeff Pearce, a book that tells the amazing story of Ethiopia's victory over Mussolini's invasion of 1935As an African, I was eager to read Prevail by Jeff Pearce, a book that tells the amazing story of Ethiopia's victory over Mussolini's invasion of 1935 – 1941. This victory enabled Ethiopia to remain as the only African country to not have been colonised by the European usurpers, although briefly occupied. The book is based on extensive archival research, widespread interviews with active participants of the war and consultations with experts on Ethiopian history and culture. As a result, the book offers a very comprehensive and balanced account of this remarkable episode in African history.
Pearce does a remarkable job, setting the historical and political context of the war, by explaining the motivations and ambitions of the main actors, and describing the military and diplomatic strategies adopted by both sides. The book vividly portrays the human dimension of the war, highlighting the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of the Ethiopian people, who were able to fight and defeat a modern European army with threadbare weapons. The book also shows the atrocious crimes committed by the Italian invaders, who indiscriminately poisoned Ethiopian people using gas, bombed hospitals, massacred civilians indifferently, and looted Ethiopia´s cultural treasures. Britain and other Western powers abandoned Ethiopia to its fate and tried to appease Mussolini's fascist regime by refusing to sell weapons and ammunition to Ethiopia. In 1936, Emperor Haile Selassie highlights this duplicity and betrayal eloquently when he addressed the League of Nations, "I ask the fifty-two nations who have given the Ethiopian people a promise to help them in their resistance against the aggressor what are they willing to do for Ethiopia? And I answer them: nothing."
The book is not only a history of a war, but also a history of a nation, the continent and black people across the globe. The book shows how black people from all over the world domiciled in major European capitals rallied behind Ethiopia, raising awareness, fundraising for the war effort, and some eventually volunteering to fight alongside their Ethiopian brothers and sisters. Ethiopia prevailed against all odds and inspired other African nations to fight for their independence and dignity.
Pearce has written a book that is not only informative and balanced, but also engaging and thrilling. He has eloquently captured the drama, the horror, and the heroism of this forgotten war. The book is a testament to the power of resistance and resilience, and more importantly, a tribute to the heroes and martyrs who fought for their country's dignity and sovereignty....more
John Pilger a celebrated and award winning investigative journalist, exposes some of the mysteries and deceptions of imperialism in his book ¨The New John Pilger a celebrated and award winning investigative journalist, exposes some of the mysteries and deceptions of imperialism in his book ¨The New Rulers¨.
The book is structured into four main chapters. More like four independent essays, albeit all running on the same theme of imperialism. The first chapter, titled "The Model Pupil" deals specifically with Indonesia. It speaks about Suharto’s rule and how he came to power through a coup with the aid of the CIA. During that rule, western corporations divided Indonesia's economy among themselves. Suharto detained and killed (tens of thousands) communists with the aid of the CIA. Although fully aware of these atrocities and the human rights abuses, the western governments and their compliant media heaped praises on Suharto.
The second chapter titled "Paying the Price" talks about the Iraq intervention. A large portion of that essay analyses the effects of that war and of the sanctions blockade on the Iraqi civilians, particularly the vulnerable children. A UN report estimates that half a million children died of treatable diseases due to the blockade on essential medicines. When the US state secretary, Madeline Albright was asked whether the deaths of half a million children was worth to pay for the price of sanctions, she replied, "I think this is a very hard choice, but the price, we think the price is worth it".
The third chapter titled "The Great Game" talks about Afghanistan. It exposes the west´s crocodile tears when they talk about women rights abuses by the Taliban and general economic instability in Afghanistan. After overthrowing the dictatorship of King Zahir´s cousin Mohammad Dawd, the new government was secular, modernist and socialist. Women had equal rights. However, the United States without any shred of evidence that the coup had been backed by the Soviet Union, started destabilising the new government. In 1979, president Carter authorised a $500 million “covert action” programme (code named Cyclone) to overthrow the new government. Through the CIA, they bought, bribed and armed the local mujahedin. The CIA recruited Muslims from across the world, trained them in camps in Pakistan run by Pakistani intelligence, the CIA and the MI6. The aim was to spread Islamic fundamentalism in Central Asia and destabilise and eventually destroy the Soviet Union ´s influence.
In the fourth and final chapter, "The Chosen Ones" Pilger returns to his home country Australia, to discuss the plight of the Aborigines. This was actually my introduction to Australia, I had not read anything substantive on Australia before. Unfortunately, it was a very distressful reading. Reading about how racist Australia marginalised and treated the Aborigines and the government run eugenics-inspired campaign to ¨breed out the Aboriginal blood ¨. In this campaign, young children were literally stolen from their Aboriginal mothers, brought up in a white environments and then married off to white people. The intention was to breed out the Aboriginal strain of blood in a few generations.
The book was pleasant and very insightful, with quotes and information from interviews and declassified documents. It exposed the folly and hypocrisy of the US (western) foreign policy. Showcased how the mainstream western media is generally pliant to the west´s foreign policy objectives. More importantly, it disclosed how the western foreign policy objectives are often intertwined with big corporate interests....more
The book takes one on a journey, haphazardly through time, across the width and breadth of Africa. From the Sahara and the Nile River Valley to the EtThe book takes one on a journey, haphazardly through time, across the width and breadth of Africa. From the Sahara and the Nile River Valley to the Ethiopian highlands, right down to the valleys and plateaus of southern Africa. The author reconstructed the ancient past kingdoms by combining the many fragmented written ancient sources and his own findings from re-examining the existing archaeological evidence.
From the evidence presented in the book it is apparent that Africa was deliberately written out of history by people with a clear nefarious agenda. The ancient; Europeans, Moslems, Chinese and the Europeans from Europe´s dark ages who came to trade with Africa´s kingdoms had nothing but positive things to say about our; houses, villages. Cities, laws and justice. It is most unfortunate that many Africans today have bought into the 18th and 19th century European racist propaganda that seeks to suggest that Africans were barbaric and uncivilised and therefore contributed nothing to civilisation.
Our post-colonial education does not help the matter either. As part of my ordinary level education in Zimbabwe, I studied a bit of South African history as required by the History syllabus. I learned more about Jan van Riebeek than I learned about Mapungubwe´s rulers. The book only discusses about the golden rhino and other artefacts that were discovered at one burial site in the kingdom of Mapungubwe. Even though the kingdom was darted with disused goldmines, the Europeans could not believe that the artefact was produced by the indigenous people of the area. They were too unsophisticated and uncivilised to embark on such higher forms of art.
Although I have enjoyed and learned a lot from the book, I strongly feel the book concentrated more on breadth than on depth. As a result, it only managed to scratch the surface for the most part. I particularly liked the ancient written sources that were quoted throughout the book. Although they do not give the complete picture of the past, they give a glimpse of how other people saw us. How I wish we all could view our ancestors with these fresh eyes. ...more
From the Americas, I have read a tiny bit of US and Cuban histories. It is from the Cuban history, in one of Fidel Castro´s speeches that I was introdFrom the Americas, I have read a tiny bit of US and Cuban histories. It is from the Cuban history, in one of Fidel Castro´s speeches that I was introduced to Simon Bolivar, José de San Martín and the other illustrious revolutionaries. Being a keen enthusiast of history and biographies, my interest to read more about the South American struggle for independence was aroused. In that regard, Simon Bolivar seemed a natural choice for my next read from the Americas.
Simon Bolivar: American Liberator by Marie Arana is a captivating biography of one of the most influential figures in Latin American history. Arana skilfully combines historical research, personal anecdotes, and literary flair to create a vivid portrait of the man who liberated six nations (Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, Bolivia) from Spanish colonial rule.
The book covers Bolivar's life from his birth in Venezuela to his death in Colombia, exploring his political vision, military campaigns, romantic relationships, and legacy. Simon Bolivar was an idealist, a man of courage, charisma, and dedication to the cause of freedom and equality. He united all the Latin American peoples; indigenous Indians, black slaves and people of mixed race in his struggle for independence. Unfortunately, like many other generals before and after him, he knew how to win wars but not how to govern. Having successfully evicted Spain from South America, he was unable to create a lasting union among the newly independent states.
Arana does not shy away from the contradictions and controversies that marked Bolivar's life, such as his role in the execution of his rival Francisco de Miranda, his authoritarian tendencies and the massacre of prisoners of war, among many others.
The book is not only a biography of Bolivar, but also a history of the turbulent times he lived in and shaped. She provides rich details and insights into the social, cultural, and political context of Bolivar's era, showing how he was influenced by such and how he influenced the events and people around him. She also draws parallels between Bolivar's struggles and those of contemporary Latin America, making the book relevant and timely for modern readers.
Simon Bolivar: American Liberator is a must-read for anyone interested in learning more about the life and legacy of one of the greatest heroes of the Americas. A towering figure of the Latin American liberation struggle. One of the world's most extraordinary 19th-century leaders....more
The debate is still ongoing whether the Benin Bronzes held in London’s British Museum and many others museums across Europe and the USA should be retuThe debate is still ongoing whether the Benin Bronzes held in London’s British Museum and many others museums across Europe and the USA should be returned to Nigeria. What Barnaby Phillips does exceedingly well in this book is begin that conversation right at its origin.
As a result, reading the book was like going on a rollercoaster journey through time. From precolonial Benin right up to as late as 2018. In short the book is a story about colonialism, pillage and plunder. It is about Africans trying to recover their stolen artefacts and also about the arrogant British who are flatly refusing to return the stolen property to its rightful owners.
The Benin empire was one of the oldest and most highly developed states in west Africa. When the Portuguese first came to Benin in 1485, they described Benin City as one of the most beautiful and best planned cities in the world. Dapper a 15th century Dutch anthropologist described ¨Benin City¨ as magnificent and elegant. The Portuguese Lourenco Pinto writes in 1691, “Great Benin, where the king resides, is larger than Lisbon; all the streets run straight and as far as the eye can see. The houses are large, especially that of the king, which is richly decorated and has fine columns. The city is wealthy and industrious. It is so well governed that theft is unknown.” To put things into perspective, London during the same period was described by Bruce Holsinger, professor of English at the University of Virginia, as being a city of “thievery, prostitution, murder, bribery and a thriving black market made the medieval city ripe for exploitation by those with a skill for the quick blade or picking a pocket”.
However, when the British came to invade and eventually loot Benin of its treasures the narrative had changed. As the African saying goes, when the hyena wants to eat its children, it first accuses them of smelling like goats. True to fashion, Sir Richard Burton writing in 1863 says, the Edo (Benin) people are uncivilised and barbaric. It counted for nothing that the Edo people had built the famous ¨Benin City¨, with walls four times longer than the Great Wall of China. To the British, they were primitive people who sacrificed their fellow human beings to occultic gods. They were therefore uncivilised barbarians who had to be saved from themselves.
The soldiers who pillaged and plundered Benin and later burnt it to the ground described their loot as mainly comprising of primitive artefacts. Fast forward two decades later, art historians discovered that the artifacts were of very high quality and were made using a highly sophisticated technique. A technique that had been used in Europe during the renaissance period. The narrative immediately changed. These artefacts must have been brought by the Portuguese, they said. This is despite the fact that the Portuguese never produced anything close to these Benin bronzes in their history. With this discovery, their demand across Europe and the US increased and likewise their prices soared. According to the book, there was an artefact that was recently sold to a private collector for a record fee of over $10 million dollars.
The debate on the return of the stolen Benin bronzes was escalated in 1974 by the Nigerian government, when they asked the British Museum to loan back a mask they wanted to use for their FESTAC festival. The plea was rejected on conservation grounds. They claimed that the humidity in Nigeria would damage the artefact. How disdainful. However, the Nigerians continued demanding the return of their Bronzes. After the emergency of the black lives matter movement, the calls for the return of the bronzes was re-energised. The British argued that they were not going to send them back, but even if they wanted to, Nigeria did not have adequate facilities and resources to look after these precious artefacts. This is akin to a thief who has been caught with a stolen car, telling the owner that they will only return the car once the owner has built a secure garage and secured a good job to enable him/her to look after the car. It would have been comic if it had not been tragic.
Its an excellent book, thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot of new things. ...more
Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War is a memoir by Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a leader Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War is a memoir by Leymah Gbowee, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and a leader of the women's peace movement in Liberia. The book chronicles her personal journey from an innocent little girl to a traumatized but courageous activist who helped in the mobilizing of thousands of women to help end the brutal civil war that ravaged her country for more than a decade.
As she recounted the horrors of the civil war, the challenges she faced raising her children in the conflict zone, the struggles of being a woman in a patriarchal society, and the sacrifices she made pursuing peace in the face of violence, I could not help but feel inspired. It is a powerful story, well written, short and succinct. From the written word, I could literally envision her in Liberia during this tempestuous period. What I particularly loved about the book is how she blended the national story of Liberia with her own lived experience.
The book is not only a testimony of Gbowee's remarkable achievements, but also a call to action for anyone who cares about social justice and global peace. It is a reminder that ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
I loved and enjoyed the book, and more importantly, I learned a lot more about the Liberia and their civil war....more
The book is an okay read. Not very exciting but nevertheless, well written and informative. For the non-historians, the minute details of the author´sThe book is an okay read. Not very exciting but nevertheless, well written and informative. For the non-historians, the minute details of the author´s countless military escapades can seem dispiriting. However, I believe the book is a valuable addition to the body of knowledge on the Southern African liberation history, particularly Zimbabwean liberation history.
Interestingly, the book begins with the author attempting to morally justify Rhodesia´s war against our liberation struggle. He was at pains, attempting to wash clean Rhodesia´s dark stains of the past. Boldly, he claims without shame, the war had nothing to do with race. He contends that it was all about defending Christianity and defeating communism. It is as if our liberation struggle was not about majority rule, or the return of our stolen land and or the restoration of the dignity of our people. I was amused but not surprised. It is too familiar a story among us the subalterns. We the wretched of the earth, had to be saved from our barbaric selves.
That said, the book does afford us any opportunity to view the war through the eyes of a white soldier who rose through the ranks to become a senior officer in the army and more importantly a soldier who participated in some historically significant missions during the war. I have read a number of books about our liberation struggle but almost exclusively through black lenses. This book was a departure from the norm and I am happy to say I am richer from the experience.
My key takeaways of the book
1. In the past I had heard claims from non-authoritative sources that the ZIPRA forces were better trained and better equipped than their ZANLA counterparts but had no means of assessing whether the statement was true or not. The author who was involved in running battles with both revolutionary parties in and outside Zimbabwe supports that notion.
2. For some reason I did not believe Robert Mugabe´s claims that the Rhodesian government wanted to assassinate him. I had always believed that it was propaganda. I thought if they wanted to assassinate him they could have easily done that whilst he was in Zimbabwe and later in prison. However, this author confirms that they were several attempts to assassinate Robert Mugabe and the ZANLA leadership in Mozambique and about two attempts to assassinate Mugabe post-independence by the military intelligence. Faced with this new evidence, I am forced to rethink my earlier positions on who could have killed general Tongogara and Chairman Chitepo. For some strange reason, I had come to strongly believe that it was an inside job.
3. I had read several texts that alleged that RENAMO a militant organization and political movement in Mozambique was funded and equipped by the South African apartheid regime and supported by the Rhodesian government. What I did not know was that the Rhodesian regime actually trained many of the early RENAMO recruits in Zimbabwe. In return, the Rhodesians used RENAMO as cannon fodder for some of their excursions into Mozambique. Although, the author says they were under strict instructions to avoid confrontations with the Mozambiquan army. Mozambique as a country did pay dearly for hosting ZANLA bases and the ANC exiles. Their country was ravaged by civil war that was fuelled by Rhodesia and South Africa.
Zambia did incur military incursions, several sabotage attacks, some in the heart of the capital from the Rhodesian army. In three of those attacks the author was involved. Zambia was paying the price for hosting ZIPRA bases, which were used as launch pads for incursions into Rhodesia.
The book notes in passing the clandestine cooperation of South Africa and the USA in the backing of UNITA in the Angolan civil war. Not only did they fund and equip UNITA, they had boots on the ground in Angola. I am convinced beyond doubt that the South African boots on the ground were not only to bolster UNITA forces but were training in preparation of their own bush war.
4. The hardliners in both the military and the parliament had been forced to accept the cease fire and the terms of the Lancaster House agreement against their will. They had two enemies, Nkomo and Mugabe but they hated Mugabe more. They thought he was more radical and Marxist. The Rhodesian political leadership in connivance with British were banking on Muzorewa winning. But as the election campaigns were under way it became clear to the military intelligence that Nkomo and Muzorewa were no match for Mugabe´s campaign tactics and that the British were unwilling to entertain Nkomo and Muzorewa´s complains. The military under pretext of unfree and unfair elections planned to usurp power. However, when the elections came the leadership could not make the call. Thereafter, there were attempts to sabotage the new government with the cooperation of the apartheid government of South Africa.
Of course the book is much more than my key takeaways but in a nutshell that is what I found most interesting in the book. It is such a shame that many of our fathers, mothers, uncles and aunts who participated in the liberation struggle are dying without writing their own stories. In the next three decades, if not two, almost all these unrecorded stories will be buried with our sung and unsung heroes and heroines. Perhaps it is a challenge to all of us with surviving relatives who fought in that war, to entice them to speak, for our historians to record and all of us to eternalise their dedication and sacrifice.
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