Rhodesians Never Die

by Former Chief Regional HIV Project Peter Godwin, Ian Hancock

This book tells the story of how White Rhodesians, three-quarters of whom were ill- prepared for revolutionary change, reacted to the "terrorist" war and the onset of black rule in the 1970s. It shows how internal divisions--both old and new--undermined the supposed unity of White Rhodesia, how most Rhodesians begrudgingly accepted the inevitability of black majority rule without adjusting to its implications, and how the self- appointed defenders of Western civilization sometimes adopted uncivilized methods of protecting the "Rhodesian way of life." This is a lively and accessible account, based on careful archival research and numerous personal interviews. It sets out to tell the story from the inside and to incorporate the diverse dimensions of the Rhodesian experience. The authors suggest that the Rhodesians were more differentiated than has often been assumed and that perhaps their greatest fault was an almost infinite capacity for self- delusion.

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, History, Zimbabwe, Politics

400 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Thomas Lang · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has lost most of its political relevance since the end of apartheid but is still very informative for anyone interested in White rule in Africa. The main thrust of the book was that the solidarity of Whites that was often portrayed in the media was a convenient narrative but far from the reality. Political diversion among whites increased as the war continued and all the lifestyle and freedoms that Rhodesians were fighting for disappeared slowly as each year past. Peter Godwin gives a great in depth, well researched history of a country who history isnt much more than the 345 pages Godwin gives them.
Most depressing is seeing where Zimbabwe is twenty years after this book was published. The equality and opportunity that was promised in 1980 has never materialized. As Godwin might say, atleast there is still the great weather.

[Sharon]

Based on the last two books I've read by Peter Godwin (When a Crocodile Eats the Sun and Mukiwa, A White Boy in Africa), I'm eager to read yet another of Peter Godwin's books of Africa experienced first-hand.

[Emerson Grossmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very heavy going at the beginning. I'm getting into the book now where the Bush War starts. Good background information. I have really enjoyed Godwin's other books.

[Richard Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book tops most of the other histories about Rhodesia. Godwin and Hancock do not narrate a traditional history in the sense of dates, times and all the actors involved by rely on both fact and the memories of key actors in the decade about which they write. Compared to others, such as Ian Smith's memoirs and books which deal with the armed forces, the history presented brings back many memories with startling clarity.

[Sibusiso · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a very interesting book had it not been written in such a repetitive, jumbled and untidy manner.

[R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

To be clear, Rhodesian politics and administration is not something I set out to read about. I was really looking for more about the Rhodesian Bush War but those books become harder and harder to find at a normal price since the vast majority of them were written well over a decade ago on another continent from where I am. Some of them go for over a hundred dollars on Amazon. This was a steal for $2.99 with free Prime Shipping by comparison.

All of that said up front, this was an amazingly well written and exhaustively researched and detailed book. It just wasn't the most interesting thing that I have ever read. I can't really think of a target audience to recommend this book for but if you're looking into the political decisions and the civilian government side of things as to why the nation collapsed why it did then this is definitely the book for you.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of facts. Dry writing.

[Sheridan · Rating 2 out of 5]

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