When a Crocodile Eats the Sun

As a South African I really enjoyed this book. Firstly because I spent my honeymoon in Zimbabwe in 2004. At the time my wife and I were wondering whether spending a week in Vic Falls was contributing to Mugabes dictatorial regime or providing much needed tourist income for the locals who work in the region. We decided on the latter, and had an incredible time in a wonderful place. Zimbabweans on the whole are lovely people, friendly and open. They deserve so much better. I often think about the people we met and the times we had that week. The craks were definitely showing though, and thanks to the lack of media exposure at the time, I had no idea things were as bad already at that time as detailed in this book. Shocking, and so so sad. The potential there is enormous.

I also enjoyed it because I lived abroad for a number of years, and completely empathised with the authors yearning for Africa, his passion and love for his country juxtaposed with the terrible events occurring. Lastly the problems in Zimbabwe are to a large extent mirrored in South Africa, and time will tell whether we will take their path or another one. Made it really interesting for me, so this review I guess is a completely personal perspective. I do think though that anyone would be interested in this personal and moving account of such a turbulent time in Zimbabwe.

My only criticism is at times I found the family accounts a bit tedious, but on the whole its a great book, and well worth reading.

when a crocodile eats the sun (0/0 people found this helpful)

The sequel to ''Mukiwa'' - you must read the two books to make the most of Godwin's insight into an era which no longer exists in Africa.

Inside Zimbabwe under Mugabe (0/0 people found this helpful)

An excellent exposé of the current lawlessness and state thuggery in Zimbabwe, written by an accomplished journalist and author who grew up there and knows the country, its people and its language.

Insight into Zimbabwe (0/0 people found this helpful)

This a heartbreaking tale of a family caught up in the turmoil, racial hatred and violence
of Zimbabwe.

A very absorbing read.

A must-read (0/0 people found this helpful)

The downfall of Zim through the eyes of one white family. A moving and very sad story for both white and black people still having to live through the nightmare. Peters mother - as a doctor in Zim gave so much to her fellow man and in her retirement was hated by the government, whom also gave permission to a percentage of the population to do the same. What to do about Africa ?

When a Crocodile Eats the Sun

Peter Godwin

Reader Reviews:

Heart breaking (0/0 people found this helpful)