As one of an estimated four millions displaced Zimbabweans living in the diaspora this book naturally had great appeal for me. I’d read and thoroughly enjoyed Godwin’s first book Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa some years ago, so I was looking forward to reading this latest book.

I was not disappointed. This is a biographical account of the last few years of his father’s life. Godwin is today based in New York, and commuted between his home and the continent of his birth at regular interviews. His first hand description of a country’s descent into hell at the hands of the despot known as Robert Mugabe is harrowing and accurate. As the country implodes into anarchy life becomes daily more difficult for its residents. I return to Zimbabwe at least twice a year, and I can confirm everything in this book is factual. There is no exaggeration.

Pensioners on fixed monthly incomes are the worst affected by Zimbabwe’s economic implosion, and this is effectively highlighted by Godwin’s description of his father’s final years. George Godwin looses his car to hijackers, and his own failing health mirrors the slow collapse of Zimbabwe’s once-proud health sector. During the visits back home Godwin learns of a secret his father has kept from his children in the hopes of protecting them from the discrimination he suffered as a child. Godwin traces his family’s roots and discovers a history of discrimination that ultimately claimed the lives of several family members. The parallels between anti-semitism and Africa’s colonial legacy are cleverly drawn, and although not explored in great detail are underlying themes in this fine book.

Godwin’s parents were stalwart members of Zimbabwe’s society – George Godwin was director of the Standards Association for over twenty years. His mother was a doctor and his sister – now exiled in Britain – worked for the media and is today politically active in raising Zimbabwe’s profile overseas. They were acquainted with some of Zimbabwe’s best known public figures, and Godwin brings these characters into the story to provide not only a timeline of events but also to emphasise the sheer tragedy that is Zimbabwe today. So while this is a very personal, poignant memoir it is also a very accurate account of a piece of history.

Not once in the story does Godwin ever resort to racial remarks or accusations. The story is factual, direct and heartbreaking. The cruel reality of Zimbabwe’s economic and social collapse is never more heartbreaking than when the Godwin family discover the state of their oldest daughter’s gravesite… or when the lack of gas at the crematorium and the frequent power cuts at the morgue mean the family has to make drastic plans to carry out George’s final request.

Direct, heartbreaking and very real, Godwin’s memoir becomes a story of a failed country. It’s also a story many white Zimbabweans will find sobering. Just before he dies George asks Peter if he believes an honest white man has a place in Zimbabwe today. Right now there’s only one answer to that question.

And it’s negative.

Anyone interested in Africa, current affairs and history.

The chronological details, backed with thorough knowledge of the subject and personal involvement and understanding of the country.

The harsh reality of what has happened to Zimbabwe.

Write my own memoir! Gut Godwin's done a brilliant job.

Very sad, yet accepting of what has happened in Zimbabwe. And is still happening.

Peter Godwin - a white Zimbabwean who knows his subject. Thoroughly.

It is well written, accurate and truthful.

No answer. It's excelletn.

A wonderful book. A wonderful tribute to his family, his father, his country.

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Created Oct 01, 2007 at 7:27am • Submit your own review...