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Miltiadis Michalopoulos's Reviews > King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa
King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa
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This is an outstanding essay on the atrocities and the horrors of colonialism. A thorough and insightful research, compellingly written. Important to note that the author does not demonize king Leopold, nor does he sanctifies the Congolese. Slave trading was taking place long before Leopold's interference in Congo. Cutting hands was a common practice between hostile tribes. But using such practices systematically and in such an extent in the territory was monstrous and unforgivable.
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Reading Progress
August 28, 2019
–
Started Reading
August 28, 2019
– Shelved
October 4, 2019
–
Finished Reading
August 30, 2020
– Shelved as:
six-stars-masterpieces
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Sense
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Oct 16, 2019 02:34AM
Nicely balanced review, Miltiadis! I am Belgian myself, so there's always this kind of slumbering feeling of collective guilt, although in this case the most important responsibility manifestly lies with one individual (king Leopold II) and his megalomanic project. And isn't it so that almost all people have, one time or another, done deeds they ought to be ashamed of? Although of course, I explicitly want to distance myself of anachronistic points of view.
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Sense wrote: "Nicely balanced review, Miltiadis! I am Belgian myself, so there's always this kind of slumbering feeling of collective guilt, although in this case the most important responsibility manifestly lie..."Thank you for your kind words. You are right. All people have done horrible things. It appears this is in our nature and it comes out if we have the power to impose our will to the others. That's what I like in this book. (I could have written a very long review, but there are many good reviews already.
