Description
*Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa* by Peter Godwin is a memoir that explores the complexities of growing up as a white child in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) during a period of intense political and social upheaval. The book is both a personal reflection on Godwin’s childhood and a broader commentary on the turbulence of African history in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly during the country’s transition from British colonial rule to independence.
The memoir is structured around Godwin’s experiences, beginning with his early years in 1950s Rhodesia, where he was raised in a privileged, colonial setting. His father worked as a farmer, and the family enjoyed a comfortable life, shielded from the political realities that were shaping the nation. However, the backdrop of growing unrest and the rise of African nationalism, culminating in the violent struggle for independence, is never far from his narrative.
As the political climate becomes increasingly tense, Godwin’s perspective shifts from an innocent child who is largely insulated from the larger conflicts to a young adult confronting the deep contradictions and racial divides in the society around him. Through his eyes, we see the contradictions of a society in which white settlers lived in relative luxury while African natives suffered under colonial oppression.
The title “Mukiwa” (meaning “white boy” in the Shona language) reflects Godwin’s position as a member of the white minority in a country where racial identity became a defining issue. As tensions rise in Zimbabwe, Godwin recounts pivotal moments from his life, including encounters with both his African friends and his fellow white community members. He also explores his deepening understanding of the political struggle, culminating in the rise of Robert Mugabe and the end of white-minority rule.
Godwin’s narrative is poignant and often painful, as he grapples with the moral complexities of being part of a colonizing power while witnessing the suffering of the indigenous population. The memoir is a meditation on identity, belonging, and the personal toll of political and historical transformation. It paints a vivid picture of a country in flux, torn between its colonial past and the uncertain future of independence.
Overall, *Mukiwa* is a deeply reflective and evocative work that gives readers an intimate view of the personal and political landscape of Zimbabwe during a critical period in its history.
Product details
- Publisher : Atlantic Monthly Pr; 1st Atlantic Monthly Press ed edition (January 1, 1996)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 418 pages
- ISBN-10 : 087113621X
- ISBN-13 : 978-0871136213
- Item Weight : 1.63 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.25 x 1.75 x 9.5 inches
- Condition: Used-Very Good
The flyleaf is clipped, else intact, Pages are clean unmarked, and unbent. DJ is in very good condition.
Memoir, a meditation on identity,
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