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A review by dashadashahi
Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda by Roméo Dallaire
4.0
This is an incredibly detailed and well written book that shares heartbreaking and equally frustrating experiences leading up and during the Rwandan Genocide. Although the many names of people and locations as well as logistical and tactical explanations can be confusing and intense if you stick with it you’re rewarded with an excellent recount of events. Of course the details of the mass killings were heart wrenching but to me the saddest part was when not a single member back in Ottawa offered to donate soccer balls after Dallaire argued it could provide some happiness and normalcy to children in Rwanda. The absolute apathy of the Western nations is reason enough to read this book.
Of course, Dallaire is writing this years after experiencing it and you must take his memory into consideration. A little over half way through the book he states that if he had been given the troops and resources he could have stopped the madness and in this sense, perhaps some may say he writes this in an effort to assuage his guilt. I would disagree but it’s a point to keep in mind.
Of course, Dallaire is writing this years after experiencing it and you must take his memory into consideration. A little over half way through the book he states that if he had been given the troops and resources he could have stopped the madness and in this sense, perhaps some may say he writes this in an effort to assuage his guilt. I would disagree but it’s a point to keep in mind.