“Mining might convey an image of industry or technology, but I found this was not the case in the Congo. In the so-called ‘mines’, a brutally primitive process was in place involving what was effectively slave labour clawing minerals from the earth so that they could be shipped to eager cash buyers in the developed world. President Kabila headed what was effectively a cobalt and diamond cartel, while two rival factions (one backed by neighbouring Uganda, the other by Rwanda) divided up the rest of the country’s resources. Crudely, Uganda got gold and timber, and Rwanda got tin and coltan – a mineral used in mobile telephones.”
― Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart
― Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart
“The girl flinched, even lying down. Mary continued through gritted teeth. “Murder can’t be walked away from. Just like you can’t walk away from Viktor. He’ll find you if you run. Richard can’t protect you if Viktor believes you have his babies.”
― Murder on Family Grounds
― Murder on Family Grounds
“Whatever’s back there don’t matter. It’s what’s ahead of you that counts. Don’t”
― The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
― The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
“Sometimes I ask myself what I would be if Jenny were alive. And then I answered: I would also be alive.”
― Oliver's Story
― Oliver's Story
Kasandra’s 2025 Year in Books
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