Mukiwa

A White Boy in Africa

By: Peter Godwin

Narrated by: Peter Godwin

Rhodesia, 1964: a small boy witnesses the death of his neighbor, murdered by guerrillas - it is the beginning of the end of White rule in Africa. In Mukiwa, Peter Godwin, the witness to that murder, has written "a classic of its genre" (Sunday Telegraph), a vivid and moving account of growing up in a colony rapidly collapsing into chaos.

In unforgettable tales of innocence lost under African skies, we follow Godwin's awakening to the often savage struggle between Whites and Blacks, his horror when he is forced to fight in a civil war he detests, and his experiences as a journalist covering the country's violent transition to Black rule as Rhodesia's colonial era comes to an end and the new state of Zimbabwe is born from its bloody ashes. Mukiwa is a poignant, compelling memoir and an invaluable addition to the literature of southern Africa.

©1996 Peter Godwin (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

What a good account of life in Rhodesia and later Zimbabwe. Just read it

If we could rewind time, how would we have let it work out?Tacitus, a Roman historian, is alleged to have said: “The principal office of history is to prevent virtuous actions from being forgotten, and that evil words and deeds should fear an infamous reputation with posterity.” I think this book is an effort to achieve this.

Stories that explain, in a beautiful memoir narrated by the author

The end of Rhodesia and the beginning of Zimbabwe explained by a white boy growing up at the intersection of rural Africa and the waning of two European empires. The author makes a society and place that is no more come alive. I always wondered what it must have been like. After reading it, I believe I understand somewhat more...

Brilliantly written & a gut wrenching account of Zimbabwe’s troubled history

Godwin has an easy to read/listen and engaging style. His account of his time growing up in Rhodesia, later Zimbabwe, is brutally honest and occasionally funny. It is one of those books you’ll read in a day, and then pick some weeks later to reread. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Africa or anyone who wants to read a great story.

A Child's View of Revolution

This is a beautifully written and performed story of a boy's journey into manhood watching the collapse of the British colonial Rhodesia and the beginning of the revolutionary led Zimbabwe. The reader sees through the boys eyes what was happening in his local community. The author portrays the confusion and chaos of the loss of life and land of the white settlers whose families had become prosperous and comfortable in a land far removed than that of their ancestors who came there from Great Britain. As we know, Zimbabwe under the tyrant dictator Mugabe deteriorated. Most of the farm land violently taken over by the revolutionaries, was no longer farmed. The country gradually became one of the poorest in Africa.

great audible well written trip down memory lane

great book
well written
nice audible
trip down memory lane
peter godwin good narratar
want more
exellent

Very independent

If you are interested in getting different perspectives on african politics. This is a great book for you. This book was full of all kinds of adventure.

Unable to admit “African Independence”

…has been a dismal failure, the author’s story nonetheless tells the tail of brutality, hopelessness and tragedy…despite an overt attempt to bow and scrape before the alter of Political Correctness. And as such, it is an important and revealing listen. Ultimately, Godwin seems forced to concede the truth: That the end of European Rule has affected nothing but misery for all parties concerned… with no light at the end of the tunnel.

Rare story telling talent

An honest and nuanced memoir of Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and coming of age. Beautifully written and read.

Outstanding

Brilliant writing, deeply moving and so terribly sad. He documents so well the futility and cycle of wars which benefit the power hungry, while the rest of the people, the ordinary people trying to live their lives, are left traumatised, mourning those killed, mourning destroyed communities and livelihoods.

Fellow Rhodesian from the North

Took me right back to the Africa of my youth and schooled me on so much I didn't know about my country neighbour to the South. I was riveted by the story and the story telling.