Long Story Bit by Bit: Liberia Retold

by Tim Hetherington (Photographer)

" Tim Hetherington has captured the chaos and tragedy of the Liberian civil war in his new book, Long Story Bit by Liberia Retold ."-- The New York Times
Award-winning photographer and filmmaker Tim Hetherington spent eight years living and working in West Africa, with four years spent in Liberia. His book Long Story Bit by Bit entwines documentary photography, oral testimony, and memoir to map the dynamics of power, tragedy, and triumph in Liberia’s recent history. It depicts a past of rebel camps, rainforest destruction, Charles Taylor’s trial as a war criminal, and other happenings contrasted with the hope for the future. Long Story Bit by Bit brings an extraordinary range of characters to life. Hetherington’s story begins in the rainforest while living with a rebel army during the 2003 battle for Monrovia. During this time he became fascinated by the dynamics of power unraveling in from the raw force wielded by young men of rebel groups to the corrupt authority of transitional governments, juxtaposed with the possibilities of a democratically elected president. This book attaches names and faces to the current headlines and provides a background for the present state of Liberia, clarifying the notion that the past decade was not a product of random chaos.  

Genres: Liberia, Africa, Nonfiction, History

193 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took my breath away!

[Owen Lister · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite photographers and the attention to detail in the history of the country and interviews is a great addition. Really good book that is worth a look/read even if you're not interested so much in Liberia.

[Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

big format color pics, and one-3 page interviews from all sides (though mostly from taylor ish side?) i think this was also the beginnings of a documentary that lots of people saw.
status 2013: still fucked.