The primus independence of many of the African countries was betrayed again by those who colonized her. Setting up the governments with African officials who were only cover-ups for their European masters. The time which Kourouma writes about in "THE SUNS OF INDEPENDENCE" is Neo-colonial for this reason, to refer to it as post-colonial implys that it is no longer colonized and it obviously is in the novel.
The protagonist in his first novel, like that of his second (Monnew), is somewhat of an anti-hero of royalty. He curses the French and the recent indepence even moreso claiming that he would rather have existed in colonial times (13). By showing us the absurdities of both the colonizers and some of the kings they deprived Kourouma points to the more humane way of running a country.
Like in "Monnew" Kourouma captures the African female in all of her glory with the female protagonist Salimata. The strength of her character is incredible and inspiring to examine. By dealing with the idea of female oppression (in terms of genital mutilation and many other forms) Kourouma points out that they are the true heroes of Africa growing in fertility among the oppression of the colonizers as well as the men they loved and cared for.
"THE SUNS OF INDEPENDENCE" comes highly recommended as a literary masterpiece. A novel, unfortunately like many of the African greats, that is highly under read by incredibly valuable as a work of art ready for consumption.

This is an excellent novel that poses some tough questions. What future awaits African nations? Are African peoples doomed to corruption and oblivion by their unfortunate encounters with European colonization? Is it possible for ancient tradition to coexist with modern values?

The answers, according to Kourouma, appear none too optimistic. His hero, Fama Dumbuya, stubbornly resists corruption of his personal mores by the new ideas that have transformed his society. Although he is usually cantankerous and disagreable, he is also devout, often funny, and always tries to do the right thing. But he can never reconcile his past and his upbringing with the modern world, and in the end he fails to find an equilibrium; he even fails to leave behind any offspring that might bring hope for the future.

Kourouma's narrative is especially powerful when he deals with Fama's wife Salimata, whose past is a psychological minefield of female genital mutilation, exploitation and abuse. Salimata is one of the most memorable characters in African literature. Like her husband, she struggles admirably to negotiate a way in the world, but also like him she can't rise above the muck that's holding her down. Things have fallen apart; the center did not hold.

As discouraging as it might be, "The Suns of Independence" is still an expertly crafted novel which forces its readers to examine the pitfalls facing modern African societies. You might disagree with the author's pessimism, but you can only credit his storytelling ability.

Dr. Bob Foster persisted against one set-back after another to build hospitials and clinics in Africa. He trusted God when it seemed futile and had a vision few other people would have dared to have. In spite of great accomplishments in medical care and 'bricks and mortar' his greatest character trait was his love for people and the time he took to let people know how he cared.

Lorry Lutz presents an intriguing account of the lives of Dr. and Mrs. Robert Foster, and their work as missionary pioneers in the Dark Continent, Africa. A testimony of the faithfulness of God in the lives of His children, "Sword & Scalpel" shows the Lord at work, guiding the hands of Dr. Foster as he performs miraculous surgeries in the bush. The book is an accurate life account of exciting events from grapples with Black Mambas, hippo hunts, Cuban invasions, and a light of hope in the darkness of the world. A must read for anyone interested in the life of missionaries, or those searching for the answers that only God can provide.

I have never before experienced such an easy to follow and such an interesting cookbook. I found it on a trip to Canada in June, 1998. Each recipe has been delicious and successful every time; my husband and I have loved every one and have bought the book for several family members and friends. Everyone has been delighted; HATS OFF to a wonderful,versatile Chef Rosamund Grant.

I have tried several of the recipes contained within this book and have been completely and totally taken in by a cuisine that I had no experience with prior to reading Ms. Grants book. If this is an introduction to traditional African cooking I feel that a great many people are missing out on one of the most flavorful and enjoyable cuisines of the world.

These two authors write stunning books of delightful, easy-to-follow recipes, with lush, evocative photographs, and great attention to detail on the culinary fundamentals of each recipe. The only problem is that they keep recycling and republishing the same recipes/photos over and over again. I got burned three times. I bought the book "A Taste Of The Mediterranean", which I liked so much that, impetuously, I went online and bought three more titles by the same two authors, Jacqueline Clark and Joanna Farrow. I got "The Mediterranean Cookbook" (the one with the close-up photo of some ripe tomatoes on the cover). It turns out that this is the exact book as "A Taste Of The Mediterranean", but with illustrations in place of the photographs. The third book I received was "Mediterranean Country Kitchen", which while it is a lovely book, is nothing more than a condensed version of the same recipes/photos from "A Taste Of The Mediterranean". Lastly I bought the newer hardback book "Mediterranean : A Taste Of The Sun". This is an outstanding, lengthy book (500+ pages), but about half of it is "A Taste Of The Mediterranean" recycled in its entirety. I would certainly recommend the new one "Mediterranean : A Taste Of The Sun" as the finest and most complete of Clark and Farrow's sumptuous books on subject. But I'm feeling angry and a bit duped at buying the same book over and over again. Buy the new one, skip the earlier, cleverly-disguised retreads.

Often cookbooks with pretty pictures are low on substance. This book is not one of them. Yes, there are pretty pictures, more than that. Some of them are gorgeous, but it's the recipes that make one pause and then want to rush to the kitchen after a trip to the super market and stop eating junk when they could eat food like this. A stunning collection.

This book is an excellent source for seeing the experience of apartheid from which the theory of black consciousness emerged. Biko lucidly articulates both the people and the regime he found himself in conflict with, and parallel's between his appraisal and his idea's are made clear. A must read for anyone who wants to get a full understanding of black consciousness.

Steve Biko's movement, Black Consciousness, is most fully articulated in his book "I Write What I Like," however, the testimony of Biko adds a crucial dimension to any understanding of Black Consciousness. It offers insight into the man behind the idea's, and offers crucial information about Biko's experience as a black man in South Africa. This information is necessary for a true understanding of what Biko writes, as he offers a lucid picture of the black experience during Apartheid. I have yet to find another writer with such tremendous insight into the oppressive nature of the Apartheid regime, and any oppresive regime in general. This book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the oppressed mind.

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of the clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent account of a young man's experience in a war all but forgotten among those in my generation has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

An honest, realistic and introspective account of war. This book was given to me as a present from my grandfather almost ten years ago. In classic youthful, ignorant fashion, I dismissed it as the ranting of a nostalgic old man. Recently, I discovered the book in the sweater drawer of a clothing dresser in my room, the cover and binding still in immaculate condition and the text largely unread. I was surprised at what a quick and enjoyable read it was, full of important lessons. This eloquent portrayal of a young man's experience in a war, all but forgotten among those in my generation, has brought me to realize that it is foolish not to listen to the old wartime stories of our grandfathers. Thanks Grampy!

In town today when buying Easter books for the kids I found Tippi in Africa for my 7 years old. I have been to Africa several times, and now wants to bring my family, but they always say no, they don't want to go to Africa where there are dangerous animals, where there is poverty and the water is not clean. So I found this book the perfect present for my daughter.

We read the book right away when we came home, and what a treasure. The book tells about Tippi's childhood. The daughter of French nature photographers she spends most of her childhood in Africa. And growing up against the wild animals she and her surrondings soon discover that she has a very special ability to speak with the animals.

The book is filled with amazing photographs, and anecdotes from Tippi's childhood. Who can resist starting to dream about Africa after reading this book.

Thanks Tippi for sharing your life with us.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

Excellent. I've got the book today from amazon Germany. Now I want to read Tippi's very unique way to express herself in English.120 extrem beautiful photographs,done by her parents Sylvie and Alain Degre, give us an insight of her unusual childhood, grewing up in Africa. A nice gift for children and adults who want to see the world in it's beauty through children's eyes. Tippi lives now in Paris. I hope, she can save her experiences for life she obtained in Africa, for her future.

A look at the struggle in South Africa which transcends the regional conflict and addresses universal issues regarding the formation of nations.

One of the best books to read if you want to understand the past of South Africa. Also read Serote's poems.

A wonderful account of a young college student's experience in third world Zimbabwe. Though focusing mostly on a feminist aspect of the country, Perrin's travels are well rounded and insightful. She takes you out of your comfortable lifestyle by showing us what and how we take our lives for granted. Very motivating in you are interested in world relief.

"Tonderai" is the Shona name that was given to Perrin. Appropriately, it means "Remember." Tonderai conveys a vivid sense of Zimbabwe - the land and its indigenous people; readers feel they are literally looking over Perrin's shoulder. Embedded in the book is a concept of education as an active process of doing, of experiencing life with all the senses, and learning through interaction with others.