Another Day of Life by Ryszard Kapuscinski Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Another Day of Life
Book Review: Classic Kapuscinski
Summary: 5 Stars
Nothing more need be said. It probably isn't as compelling as Shadow of the Sun, or Shah of Shah's, but it certainly is a fine book.Book Review: Important historical document
Summary: 4 Stars
Kapuscinski was the only journalist in Angola during that time. He arrived there in september, I left that country (my country) in august. Besides being the only witness of a "word's forgotten war" he was able to accurately catch what was going on there at the time.Book Review: Interesting Read
Summary: 5 Stars
As a reader with very little knowledge of history in Africa - this book sparked in me a strong interest to learn more. Kapuscinski tells of his time spent in Angola as a journalist during an unstable revolutionary period in the 1960's. He details the power struggle between 3 political warring factions that were fighting for control of Angola following an exodus of Portuguese colonists back to the home country. Kapuscinski is a journalist - and was in the country to investigate and report on the war. However, the risks that he took in getting the story were much greater than could be expected of even the most dedicated journalist. Led by his adventuresome spirit and voracious curiousity, Kapuscinski placed himself in the most dangerous of situations. In fact - it was quite clear from the narrative that Kapuscinski was lucky to survive the entire expreince.
The result is an eye-opening tale of the horrors of war and the plight of the people that found themself swept up in the fight. The confusion was such that many of the Angolan natives found themselves as pawns of large external political forces with little or no knowledge of what it was they were fighting for.
The beginning of the book contains a map that helps the reader to follow Kapuscinski during his extensive journeys throughout Angola. The last 20 pages or so contains some insightful historical information on the country of Angola which helps to put the events of the book into historical perspective. However, it would be mistake to classify this book as strictly a work of history as it satisfies on many levels.
Book Review: Just a great book...
Summary: 5 Stars
Out of all of Kapuscinski's books this little novella probably reads the most like a straight narrative. It follows Kapuscinski's experiences in Angola during the invogorating and terrifying time of its "liberation" in the 1960's. The narrative provides a visceral and enlightening account of the tumult that lies at the edges of what we (in the West) call order and civilization.As always, Kapuscinski's vision is lyrical, penetrating, and unflinching. He holds up for our examination the ironies and absurdities laid bare when the curtain of imperial colonialism is withdrawn, and its victims are left scrambling to erect a milennia's worth of social and political institutions in a week, a month, or a year. Kapuscinski exposes the true face of this century's "limited wars": almost always fought by uncertain armies for unclear purposes, and most directly resulting in nothing more than bodies, smoke, and refugees. Yet his voice is never bitter, sanctimonious or pedantic, but rather honest, ironic, and (in a subtle way)sadly disenchanted.
If you haven't ready anything else by Kapuscinki, this is a great place to start. If you have, this book is a unique and powerful gem.
Book Review: Mondo Cane - with apologies to my five happy dogs
Summary: 5 Stars
Anything goes when it comes to the raw greed and clan warfare that characterizes human behavior. Kapuscinsky's reportage is brilliant, relentless and focused. He describes the roots of the human condition in Angola at eye level. You can draw your own moral conclusions - and in case you are left wondering, this scenario is applicable wherever Western and/or European cultures operate in Africa...it's cynical exploitation in the name of Mamon all the way to the bank. Read this and ponder about the future of mankind. Thank you Ryszard, you deserve a Pulitzer prize for your reportage!