"Under the title of 'honorary white' the status given to important non-white visitors to South Africa to enable them to avoid the restrictions they would otherwise face -- the black novelist spent several weeks investigating racial problems in South Africa."

Andre Sibomana was a phenomenal human being. The son of a wood sculpturer from Masango in the Gitarama prefecture, he rose to become one of the most prominent figures in Rwanda. As the priest of Muyunzwe from 1982-86, his parishiners called him "the wild animal," which translates more precisely from Kinyarwandan as "the wild animal which does not devour, does not crush the crops and does not do harm"(p. 16).

But over the next 8 years, as ethnic extremism escalated against a backdrop of a deteriorating economy in Rwanda, Sibomana would make many enemies. As the editor of Kinyamateka, a Catholic-sponsored paper that Alison Des Forge aptly notes in her forward as "the most important independent newspaper in Rwanda," and the founder of the influential human rights organization ADL, Sibomana relentlessly attacked the authoritarian, corrupted and appallingly abusive Habyarimana regime from 1988 right up until April 6, 1994. Many attempts were made on his life throughout this period, some of which he discusses.

Sibomana tells of how he miraculously survived the genocide. Although he is Hutu, he was marked for death because of his prominence as a voice of reason against the extreme propagandists and politicians who incited, in part, the atmosphere of profound fear, hate, and ethnic exclusion that made for genocide. This is one more indicator, among many more that Sibomana details, that the genocide was politically motivated, not a result of "ancient, tribal hatreds," but of "man's unrestrained taste for power in all forms and at any price"(p. 152).

Sibomana lived by the principle of human dignity. So when suspect perpetrators of the genocide were (and continue to be) rotting, literally, en masse in prisons established by the RPF since July, 1994, he spoke out, and then followed word with action by providing aid and improving the revolting living conditions. So too did he speak out of RPF reprisal killings. But his voice, once again, fell on oftentimes deft ears in the international community.

This is why this book is so important. Not only is it the first account of the genocide and its aftermath in English by a Rwandan, but it is one of the few accounts that exist that systematically illustrate and denounce major human rights abuses by the current regime, the RPF. Sibomana concludes, "It is as though they have learned nothing from what we have just lived through."

Sibomana makes a powerful, emotionally charged, but sharply reasoned indictment of the current government, one which receives so much support from powers such as the U.S., yet is, on the ground, Sibomana argues, as abusive, authoritarian, and dangerous as was the Habyarimana regime in the early 90s.

Carina Tertsakian has done a wonderful job translating this script. For those unfamiliar with Rwanda, this is a more informative (and just as opinionated) explanation of Rwanda - its history, the genocide, and its aftermath - as Philip Gourevitch's now famous book,*We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families.* For Rwandans and international scholars of Rwanda, this account is loaded with detail, insight, and passion. Though a succinct, powerful read, Sibomana is academic. For example, he writes, "Rwanda has a complex history. Were it not so bloody, it could be likened to a game of chess. Someone who hasn't followed the game from the outset and doesn't know the moves can't follow the subsequent stages." Then Sibomana moves the reader swiftly, though ad unguem, through Rwanda's complex history.

The title of this book may be deceiving to some. Sibomana's voice is anguished and angry, and he candidly describes events and behaviors that are the stuff of nightmares. In the end, my hope derived from Sibomana himself. Here was a man who made a difference and could have helped lift up Rwanda. But that hope is no more, and one must search for other sources, some which may be found in the last conversation of this book: "We Must Not Give Up Hope."

Andre Sibomana died of Lyell's Syndrome in Rwanda in 1998. He was refused a passport by the Rwandan government until 4 March, 1998, when he was on his deathbed (p.161).

This book is simply wonderful. And it's not just because it's dedicated to me. He's a fantastic man, and a fantastic author. He knows so much, and writes in a style in which a person can really get into the story. I HIGHLY reccommend this for anyone to read! Try it!
Lindsey

House of the Heart is a wonderful collection of proverbs that speak to every person & every situation. House of the Heart serves as a wonderful daily reminder to constantly cleanse ourselves spiritually. Each proverb is a ointment that cleanses the heart & soul. House of the Heart is a must have for every Spiritual home and workplace. It will do much more than decorate the coffee table, mantle or desk...it will decorate your heart and mind.

Kohler's writing uncovers the darkest aspects of human nature through precise language and carefully placed detail. It's a shame reviewers for publications such as Kirkus don't have the patience to discover her. But if you are serious about writing and about literature, hunt down Kohler's work where-ever you can find it. Her first novel, The Perfect Place, is a stunning example of an unreliable narrator. And in The House On R. Street, she shows again that beneath the flawless manners of the upperclass there is an unfathomable capacity for corruption.

Written with virtually no emotionalism in the traditional style of a journalist, this biographical account taken from Stanley's diary takes one on an unforgettable adventure of trial and suffering, and eventually utter joy in the success of his goal. This book is an epic adventure of truly brave men. Stanley presents his story with stoicism and a circumspection that seem to understate the raw excitement of this story.

I was very impressed with the clarity and intelligence of the essays in this book. I now think more critically about sanctions, in both a historical and contemporary context.

Archaeology has conclusively documented through the discovery of fossil remains of early humans that Africa is the cradle of homosapiens. Human Beginnings In South Africa: Uncovering The Secrets Of The Stone Age surveys 150 years of archaeological research that depicts the progress of paleolithic and neolithic humans, piecing together the evidence showing that the roots of South African society stretch back into the very beginnings of the stone age. Highly recommended for students of archaeology as well as non-specialist general readers with an interest in human origins, Human Beginnings In South Africa presents an up-to-date text that is enhanced with black and white photography, maps and diagrams.

Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela's encounter with Eugene De Kock, known as South Africa's "Prime Evil" of the apartheid system-- tested her boundaries for forgiveness and compassion. It is an essential text for anyone interested in learning how--after traumatic events--it is possible to transcend feelings of revenge and move on.

An excellent collection of essays trying to deal with the dynamic of universalism versus relativism - A must read if your are interested in Africa and human rights in a more intellectual sense ( as opposed to pure implementation)