I Didn't Do It For You: How the World Used and Abused a Small African Nation

The only weakness of this book is its title. It refers to a scene during WW II, when British soldiers were busy liberating Eritrea from the Italians. A local woman ululated for passing British soldiers, whereupon one of them shouted what has become the title of this highly illuminating book. In other words, the British did not liberate Eritrea to become independent and rule itself. Nor did any other nation, before or after.
Every chapter in this book is a gem and an eye opener. Shamefully, what the Brits did after their victory over Italy was to dismantle and haul away every industrial investment made by Italy during the 1930s, and move it away to its other colonies, such as India and Kenya. Except for things that could not be moved like buildings: Italy turned Asmara into what is (still) the most beautiful capital city of Africa, subject of documentaries, coffee table books and a trickle of tourism. Reconstruction by elderly Eritreans of the destroyed rail link between Asmara and Massawa, covering a tortuous track and 2.200 m in altitude, is included in such tours and has been recorded in documentaries broadcast worldwide.
Michela Wrong (MW) argues convincingly that the Eritrean national character has been shaped by a succession of betrayals by the Ethiopians, the Italians, the British, the UN, and again, the Ethiopians. Anyone curious to learn why the Eritrean government (which took decades of fighting to emerge without outside help) is not amenable to Western advice, should read this book.
MW has interviewed lots of key actors and observers, ranging from former Soviet generals and advisors, a 95-year old top US legal advisor to Emperor Haile Selassie, to local insiders, eccentrics and notables. This book is required reading for anyone about to serve in Eritrea and/or Ethiopia and for the people supervising them. MW has been cautious to include some measure of doubt about the future of Eritrea's hard-won independence, given the increasingly authoritarian behaviour of its rather ruthless leader. Highly recommended.

Another mesmerising Michela Wrong read (0/0 people found this helpful)

Like most people I had only a vague awareness and little interest in Eritrea before reading this book. But like Michela Wrong's other works on the DRC and Kenya, it is instantly engaging with the narrative drive of a thriller. The descriptions of Ethiopian despots Haile Sellassie and the even more appalling Mengistu Haile Mariam are vividly drawn - as are scenes like the poignant classical concert performed under a thorn tree on a grand piano.
Along with Aidan Harley's Zanzibar Chest, this is a 'must read' about the reality of life on the horn of Africa.

I didn't do it for you (0/0 people found this helpful)

Michaela Wrong provides a really interesting look at Eritrea in this book. It wasn't a country I knew much about, but after having read the fantastic 'In The Footsteps of Mr. Kurtz' by the same author, I thought it would be worth a read. In short it was a very interesting book which I think would suit anyone with an interest in modern African history.

Wonderful and Perspicacious! (0/0 people found this helpful)

I have become interested in African politics for about 18 months now and looking among the hundreds of titles I picked up Wrong's 'In the Footsteps of Mr Kurtz' and became entranced not just by the continent but its history and people. Wrong's construction and intricate prose gives the story a personal and authorative account to her subjects. Then a few months down the line I was in Waterstones and saw 'I didn't do for you,' I bought it straight away. I was aware of the country but not of its history and wealth of activity. Again Wrong is able to describe the Italian influence, the brilliant account of World War 2 and the armed struggle into a wonderful story. Wrong's journalistic background and her passion for Africa make it an excellent read. The other reviews have given this an average of 4 and Mr Kurtz a 5, I would say as an average that is fair because the story of Mobuto and Zaire/DR Congo's history is deeper and a more story people should be familiar with. I give this a five because as a journalist myself she opens new stories and a real sense of adventure to the place.

Beautifully written and researched, but very one-sided (1/1 people found this helpful)

I came to this book having loved "In the Footsteps of Mr Kurtz", a fantastic book which veered crazily between the tragic and the hilariously funny in its account of how the Congolese have tried to survive the awfulness which befell their country.

"I didn't do it for you" reads much more like an angry polemic on behalf of the Eritrean people and I liked it less as a result. Its one-sidedness was particularly apparent in the description of the long struggle with Ethiopia for independence where Ms Wrong lionises the EPLF as modern-day Spartans, fantastically brave and resourceful, unswervingly dedicated to their cause - whereas the Ethiopians are never portrayed as anything more than murderous brutes. Her failure to level much criticism at the EPLF makes the post-independence slide of Eritrea into dictatorship and isolation seem a little odd, especially since she rather glosses over this period.

Nevertheless this is a beautifully written book which combines a myriad of personal anecdotes with painstaking historical research. It is well worth reading because it draws attention to a forgotten corner of Africa, and is a sobering reminder of the horrible damage that both of the Cold War superpowers wreaked in the developing world, as well as the enduring legacy of European colonialism.

I Didn't Do It For You: How the World Used and Abused a Small African Nation

Michela Wrong

Reader Reviews:

A brilliant eye opener (0/0 people found this helpful)

Another mesmerising Michela Wrong read (0/0 people found this helpful)

I didn't do it for you (0/0 people found this helpful)

Wonderful and Perspicacious! (0/0 people found this helpful)

Beautifully written and researched, but very one-sided (1/1 people found this helpful)

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