When a Crocodile Eats the Sun: A Memoir of Africa |  | Author: Peter Godwin
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Category: Book
List Price: $14.99
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Rating:  69 reviews
Sales Rank: 31250
Format: Bargain Price
Media: Paperback
Pages: 341
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 8 x 5.4 x 1
ISBN: 1615525424
Dewey Decimal Number: 968.9105
EAN: 9781615525423
ASIN: B0031MA8MO
Publication Date: April 10, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Product Description
Hailed by reviewers as "powerful,""haunting" and "a tour de force of personal journalism,"When A Crocodile Eats the Sun is the unforgettable story of one man's struggle to discover his past and come to terms with his present. Award winning author and journalist Peter Godwin writes with pathos and intimacy about Zimbabwe's spiral into chaos and, along with it, his family's steady collapse. This dramatic memoir is a searing portrait of unspeakable tragedy and exile, but it is also vivid proof of the profound strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love.
"In the tradition of Rian Malan and Philip Gourevitch, a deeply moving book about the unknowability of an Africa at once thrilling and grotesque. In elegant, elegiac prose, Godwin describes his father's illness and death in Zimbabwe against the backdrop of Mugabe's descent into tyranny. His parent's waning and the country's deterioration are entwined so that personal and political tragedy become inseparable, each more profound for the presence of the other" -- Andrew Solomon, author of The Noonday Demon
"A fascinating, heartbreaking, deeply illuminating memoir that has the shape and feel of a superb novel." -Kurt Anderson, author of Heydey
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Showing reviews 1-5 of 69
 Makes me appreciate my own homeland July 23, 2010
Gregory Hope
I found this book to be well written and thought provoking. The aging and declining health of the author's parents provides the setting for a look at the declining fortunes of his native country, Zimbabwe. The author does not pretend that Zimbabwe was ideal under colonial rule but it would be difficult to make a case that either black or white Africans are benefitting from the corrupt and despotic rule of Robert Mugabe.
 Excellent read April 5, 2010
R. Taft (London, UK)
I loved this book. I read a review in the paper recommending it, but bought it half-heartedly knowing that I rarely enjoy books that professional reviewers recommend. I am really glad I gave it a try. This was a heartbreaking story of both a family and a country. Even though it was published in 2004 (6 years ago) it is still relevant. In fact, characters from the story are in the news today. The beginning of the story is a bit like reading a magazine article - but in the end, I was so absorbed, I felt like I was mourning the loss of my own family member. I will definitely pass this along to all my friends and also track down Mr. Godwin's prior book.
Fascinating November 30, 2009
Boo Katers (North Carolina)
The history and events surrounding the rise to power of Mugabe and Zimbabwe's race and economic troubles are reflected in this memoir which is entertaining, educational, compelling, and just a plain old good read.
Eye Opener November 2, 2009
Jack I. Jones (Richardson, Texas)
When our book club agreed on this book for our next selection, I thought, 'Oh great, another heart-rendering sob story about all the tragedies that have been visited upon Africa'. Boy, was I wrong. As I progressed into the book more and more facts about what truely has happened - at least in Zimbabwe and the countries in Southern Africa - over the past two decades - began to make that history quite clear. One of the facts that came out was that if development had been left to the ordinary person - white farmer - black worker - that Zimbabwe probably would be developing into the great country it looked like it would years ago. But, somehow, black, greedy, utterly violent egomaniacs took over with the result being a total disaster for this country. If you really are interested in what is happening in Africa read this book. It will open your mind.
Devastating October 5, 2009
BK Phil (Brooklyn, NY)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Devastating, haunting, beautiful.
If you've ever had a parents, if you've ever seen something you love go to bits, or if you've ever seen your roots grow distant, this book will speak to you. Regardless of the specific settings and circumstances of this book.
Having picked it up primarily to catch up on Zimbabwe (and it does a very good job of conveying that country's recent history, although it's obviously a memoir and not a detailed political study), I was soon hypnotized and drawn in by the human element - the memoir.
Beautifully, soulfully written - a real classic.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 69
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