Customer Reviews

Battle For Zimbabwe: The Final Countdown

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Africa correspondent for the Washington Times who grew up in different countries of southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, Hill gives a detailed account of the overthrow of the white-controlled government when the country was known as Rhodesia by indigenous black rebels and the subsequent cementing of the autocratic, often brutal rule of Robert Mugabe. Mugabe was one of the leaders of the insurrection and political leader of Zimbabwe (as the country was named after the end of white rule). To a large extent, this is the story of the murky circumstances whereby Mugabe became leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU), including the assassination of its leader, and its role in helping to keep him in power. Instead of a bona fide political party in a democratic system, ZANU became the enforcement arm of Mugabe's one-man rule. Hill's chronicle of unfortunate Zimbabwe and biographical portrayal of its autocratic leader is a set piece in how things have gone wrong in many countries in Africa.

With a deep understanding and love for this magnificent country, Hill lays out an excellent expos? over Zimbabwe's rise and unfortunate fall under the rule of President Mugabe. By elegantly blending historical events with a large number of interviews from both ZANU-PF officials and the MDC opposition to ordinary Zimbabweans, Hill has created a solid piece that is thorough and analytical but yet easy-to-read. Highly recommended for any reader in search of the root and underlying causes to Zimbabwe's worsening plight.

I am originally from Zimbabwe, but left in 1981. I was looking for
a book on the history and current situation on Zimbabwe that would
be informative and not dry. I feel very much more educated about
the various issues that have led this beautiful country to the
very sad situation it now finds itself in. I definately would
suggest others read it.

I absolutely loved this book. I read it with amazement as I compared the events of my time in Zimbabwe to the behind the scenes information presented in the book. I was amazed at just how much was never put on air for the general public to be aware of and also to know the depth of the people's convictions (even when they are wrong) and their willingness to act it out was very intriguing to me. Well written book I even learnt some things about my history I was unaware of. I can't wait for the next book.

The title says it, his book is excellent, written very well, blending the facts and interviews in a flow that makes it easy to read, but i would say it could prove very hard reading if you are not familiar with the area or African politics. I would not give this book to someone to read unless they were from Zimbabwe or studying the history of the country.

What i enjoyed most, having lived in Zimbabwe until 2004 is the book explains the reasons behind what happened, even living in Zimbabwe all my life i have learnt facts i never knew before, it does not change the way i feel but it does give me greater understanding.

As i said, unless you are Zimbabwean, have lived in Zimbabwe or studying the history of the area, this book may prove tough going.

Possibly the best book I've read on the history and the current situation in Zimbabwe. The book contains a very clear and concise history of Zim which is very relevant today. The author's decriptions of life in current day Zim are extremely accurate and insightful. Would highly recommend this book to anyone, foreign or local, who wants to gain a better understanding of the Zimbabwe debacle.

This title is my favourite on the crisis in Zimbabwe. Geoff Hill has best described the crisis unfolding in his own country through the eyes of Zimbabweans who give first hand accounts of a tragic situation in their own country. This book discusses in visual terms the historical backdrop that lead up to the tyranny of Robert Mugabe who presided over the destruction of what was seen as one of Africa's most promising countries only 25 years ago. Hill offers thought provoking insights of his own about the political turmoil and economic collapse in Zimbabwe and how the international community including Zimbabwe's regional neighbors like South Africa should confront this crisis. It also shows the courage and determination of Zimbabwe's people including opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai who want to live in a democratic society where they can freely express their views openly and where their long suffering country regains it's respectful place in the international community of nations.