A review by helenar
Congo Inc.: Bismarck's Testament by Marjolijn De Jager, In Koli Jean Bofane

challenging dark emotional informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This is one of the few books written by a Congolese author that is translated into English. Like many books I read this sparked me into reading a little of the history behind the story of which I knew very little and the knowledge did make it easier to understand. I found it a difficult read due to the graphic descriptions of torture, sexual violence, and killings but feel that it is an important story to tell with its theme of globalisation and the effects of technology on the valuable resources within the Congo and the different ways this effected the native people. The story centres around a young man who sees this globalisation as a great opportunity for him to make his fortune and he also sees the benefits for those around him. The author also very eloquently describes the actual affects on nature and the planet and the predicted difficulties this will cause as seen by some of the older characters. This was a very different read partly I think due to the way language was used which I am guessing is at least partly down to a very clever translation.
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