Great African Reads discussion

This book has recently been recommended to me. I've worked in the DRC three times, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of literature about this fascinating and beautiful country. Can anyone recommend anything else?

Hello John, I too enjoyed Wong's book! I am almost done Radio Okapi Kindu by Jennifer Bakady and am enjoying it very much. It doesn't go far in explaining the country's political landscape (though it touches on it) and you have to have some interest in the workings of media. But I'm finding it wonderfully atmospheric and I especially love hearing the voices of its Congolese protagonists. Will soon review it and am eager to see others' recommendations here. I loved Poisonwood Bible. It is one of my favourite books. I've also heard good things about King Leopold's Ghost and Dancing in the Glory of Monsters, but I think those titles are primarily about the country's history?

Thanks. Thus far I've only read The Scramble for Africa: The White Man's Conquest of the Dark Continent from 1876 to 1912, which is excellent, but has a far wider view. I'll check you suggestions out.

There is a lot of academic literature on the DRC, although a lot of it is in French. Is there something specific you're interested in? Books I've used when teaching are Selling the Congo: A History of European Pro-Empire Propaganda and the Making of Belgian Imperialism (but it's more colonial history and focusing on the metropole), Lumumba Speaks: The Speeches and Writings of Patrice Lumumba, 1958-1961 and The Assassination of Lumumba.
Literature is difficult because the two Congos often get lumpted together into 'Congolese literature' and few books have been translated into English. There are some pointers here http://aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au/CountryZ...

That's a great ressource, Cam!

Cam wrote: "There is a lot of academic literature on the DRC, although a lot of it is in French. Is there something specific you're interested in? Books I've used when teaching are [book:Selling the Congo: A H..."

Agreed with Anetq: Thank you for sharing this here. So great.

L'Enfer c'Est Lui: G�nocide �conomique

Le capitalisme est une histoire d`amour qui finit mal. Que penser des stériles combats de coqs entre les diverses divinités capitalistes de notre époque ? Vous devriez être aussi révulsés que moi à la vision de ces clowneries qui empêchent tout dialogue réel sur les inégalités économiques. Le socialisme et le communisme ont échoué, mais c`est le capitalisme qui nous empêche d`avancer. Je laisse les cuistres de la caste des économistes dits sérieux à leurs débats microscopiques, pour vous inviter à un voyage à contre-courant. Les six premiers chapitres constituent un procès en bonne et due forme du statu quo capitaliste. Si vous tenez bon jusqu`au chapitre sept, préparez-vous à la grande claque de ceux qui suivent, et digérez-les bien. Ne vous inquiétez pas, je suis là pour vous guider. Le douzième et dernier chapitre conclura en essayant de rester fidèle à l`injonction de James Tobin : « En matière d`économie, les bons articles sont ceux qui surprennent et appellent à de nouveaux travaux. ».

Sacrificed is partially set in colonial DRC. The Witch Doctor's Wife is also set in colonial Belgian Congo.

Cam wrote: "There is a lot of academic literature on the DRC, although a lot of it is in French. Is there something specific you're interested in? Books I've used when teaching are [book:Selling the Congo: A H..."
Thanks. I definitely need to read up on Lumumba.

The Rebels' Hour, Danse Du Léopard and Back to the Congo by Belgian journalist Lieve Joris are also nice reads about DRC's recent history.

I am not sure if you have come across J.J. Bola's No Place To Call Home'. Great read

Mimie wrote: "I am not sure if you have come across J.J. Bola's No Place To Call Home'. Great read"
No. Thanks.

Wim wrote: "The Rebels' Hour, Danse Du Léopard and Back to the Congo by Belgian journalist Lieve Joris are also nice reads about DRC's recent history."
Great, thanks