A Complicated War: The Harrowing of Mozambique (Perspectives on South Africa) (Paperback)

by William Finnegan (Author) "Morrumbala Mountain stands at the crux of the long, languid Y that Mozambique describes along the southeast coast of Africa..." (more)
Key Phrases: luta armada, bandidos armados, cement town, South Africa, United States, Samora Machel (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
According to a United Nations survey, nearly a million Mozambicans have died in the fighting between the Soviet-backed Frente de Libertacao ("Frelimo") and the South African-sponsored Resistancia Nacional ("Renamo"). Some three million have been driven from their homes, while food shortages are becoming acute countrywide. This engrossing, sensitive account by the author of Dateline Soweto: Travels with Black African Reporters details the results of a savage war that began in 1975, a year after Mozambique gained independence from Portugal. Finnegan describes the distintegration of the national economy ("Money means little because there's nothing to buy") and the near destruction of the country's transportation and communications systems. He introduces us to Mozambicans who reveal how the war has affected their lives. The book, portions of which originally appeared in the New Yorker , is a small classic about anarchy and the difficulties of nation building in postcolonial Africa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
Among Africa's suffering is the little- known war in Mozambique, now in its second decade. Finnegan traveled through the country in 1988 to assess the impact of a war waged by guerrillas who are armed and often directed by South Africa. He tells a compelling story of rural misery caused by the war, which in turn offers a fertile ground for its continuation. Finnegan's narrative includes historical background and critical analysis of the Mozambique government whose policies have not created an inclusive framework for the nation. Finnegan is drawn to the conclusion that Mozambique's peasants long have been denied the fruits of peace: first under centuries of Portuguese colonialism; and now as they are exposed to the current war that is destroying their future. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries of all sizes.
- Bill Rau, Takoma Park, Md.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 325 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (February 26, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520082664
• ISBN-13: 978-0520082663
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #208,491 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece of Investigative Journalism, August 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: A Complicated War: The Harrowing of Mozambique (Perspectives on Southern Africa) (Hardcover)

Anyone who wants to know about Mozambique's recent history must read this book--not just because it's full of names, facts and dates, but because it's a stunning work of exploration and exposure by a journalist who chose to travel through a viciously dangerous countryside to try to understand the reality of a nation devastated by fear. But more than that, this is also a superb piece of writing: engrossing from beginning to end, every page packed with vivid prose and thought-provoking discussion. I read this book in Mozambique in 1992 and it made an enormous difference

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable and painful insights into Mozambique's past., October 31, 2001

By	Helen L. Smits (Ivoryton, CT USA) - See all my reviews

This is a lively and well written book which deals with the period of civil war in Mozambique. It was completed and published just before the conclusion of a successful peace process and so provides a particularly clear and powerful view of recent history.It is based on the author's travels within country during the war period and includes extensive interviews. The people he talked and worked with emerge as very vivid and lively characters. The support of the rebels by Rhodesia and South Africa, and the reasons for that support, are well described. A must read for anyone going to work in Mz, strongly recommended for the serious traveler as well.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A too compliacted war, January 29, 2009

By	J. Romano "JO" (France) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was born and lived in Moçambique for over 25 years .
This book has a lot of interesting information but some of the facts are distorted by interviews to some of the people envolved . I found this "normal" in many books and TV as reporters are limited to some parts of the population and their "under influence" oppinnions . There are also some errors on personal information about influent Mozambique politicians .Some of the info on colonial behaviour and facts is not correct and certainly received from the "wrong" sources .
In general , is an interesting book , but to be read with some reserves .