Reviews

When a Crocodile Eats the Sun: A Memoir of Africa, by Peter Godwin

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booksandchicks's review

3.0

I started out enjoying this memoir of a white guy that is from Zimbabwe, now lives in new York, but goes back frequently to visit his parents, taking place from 1998-2004. In 2000 Mugabe planned to eradicate Zimbabwe of all whites, ripping their farms, homes and livelihood from them. The book is about this. Amazing how unaware we are to the tragedies of others in our world! It was good to learn about Mugabe and life in Zimbabwe. But then. The book started to turn towards a biography almost of his parents. They chose to stay and deal with the harsh opposition. I got a little bored hearing the many conversations between him and his parents. I wish there had been more political information towards the end instead of his personal family story. Overall, decent.

tuufa's review

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

3.25

dmahanty's review

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4.0

A great memoir from Peter Godwin. Currently a journalist, in his memoir he reflects on his and his family's life as white Zimbabweans, and the changes that the country faced under Mugabe's reign. He also discovers a famiy secret. A good read!

lisaarnsdorf's review

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5.0

A tough, emotional read, but well worth it! I learned so much about Zimbabwe. The best discussion our book club has ever had was about this book.

eleanorreadseverything's review against another edition

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5.0

I really love this book partly because I identify with it so much. Even if you don't though, it really is an excellent read.

msjoanna's review against another edition

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4.0

A powerful memoir of the author's experience as an expatriate white Zimbabwean who is frequently returning to the country to care for his aging parents (and to attend his father's funeral). I'm reading this author's memoirs out of order. His first book is [b:Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa|195788|Mukiwa A White Boy in Africa|Peter Godwin|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1172596323s/195788.jpg|907210], which I also plan to read, but was interested in reading about the more current situation in Zimbabwe first.

The author tells the story of the white Zimbabweans as the country slides into decline and as land is redistributed, usually by force and in irrational ways. The author makes clear that the problems are complicated and the legacy of colonialism is a problem for everyone.