Against All Odds: A Chronicle of the Eritrean Revolution With a New Afterword on the Postwar Transiton

by Dan Connell

Against All Odds is the firsthand account of Eritrea's epic 30-year struggle for political independence and social justice. With almost no outside support, Eritrean nationalists brought successive U.S.- and Soviet-backed Ethiopian governments to their knees. At the same time, they worked to liberate women, workers and peasant farmers from centuries of grinding poverty, chronic hunger and numbing oppression. Connell argues that it was the blending of a social revolution with political objectives that enabled this uniquely self-reliant liberation front to weld Eritrea's fractious society - half Christian, half Muslim, from nine ethnic groups - into one of the most remarkable fighting forces in modern history. In a new Afterword, he describes their efforts to translate wartime values and experience into sustainable strategies for developing the new country.

Genres: History, Eritrea, Africa, Politics, War

325 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1993

Reviews

[Rayan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a eritrean who was born outside of the country and in the U.S I didn't really get to know where I was from deeply. But this book really went indepth for me with the independence struggle and how it played out. It gave me a different perspective and deep appreciation for all those who fought for my countries sovereignty. I like how the author both ventured into ELF and EPLF territories and saw firsthand what was being done in each area and how it was affecting the people. I want to thank the author for passing down knowledge and experience that is valuable to those who are curious and want to know more Eritrea. I really feel a sense of pride in knowing how despite everything my country and its people has went through, it came out on top.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, the story of the revolution is a hell of a lot more awe-inspiring than what's going on in Eritrea these past few years. But damn, it's a great story. I still can't help but admire them.