Speak Rwanda: A Novel

By Julian R. Pierce

Book Overview

"Speak Rwanda" is the powerful story of ten people--Hutu and Tutsi, civilians and soldiers, mothers, politicians, and orphaned children--as they attempt to survive one of the most disturbing massacres... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312276796
• ISBN13: 9780312276799
• Release Date: November 2000
• Publisher: Picador USA
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

NO REVIEW TITLE IS HIGH ENOUGH PRAISE FOR SPEAK RWANDA.

I don't know where to begin or end. I can only say that I've never read a more touching yet horrifying story that is similar to a true crime novelization. Though very different from Norman Mailer's "The Executioner's Song", and a great deal shorter, it is the only report of actual crime written as a novel that is, to my mind, equally good. This is a story of heinous cruelty, unreasoning hatred, the power of love, and triumph over evil. Each character is carved in marble--or crystal--and I could not let go of any of them long after the blockbuster ending. Though they are fictional, they all ring only true. I would very much like to see more of this author.

Telling the truth through fiction

Mr. Pierce has lived in Africa a long time among the people. I have lived in Africa a long time among the people "Speak Rwanda" is brutally honest in its approach. It is fictionalized truth, written in a manner which explores the souls of men and the inanity of tribalism.Pierce draws the reader into the barbarous depths of the human heart on its lustful quest for power. Bravo! I could not put it down.Bonita Evans

Speak Rwanda

Mr. Pierce has spent a long time in Africa among the people. I have spent a long time in Africa among the people also. His book is brutally honest in its approach. it is fictionalized truth, written in a manner which explores the souls of men and the inanity of tribalism. Pierce draws the reader into the barbarous depths of the human heart in its abysmal quest for power. More books about AFRICANS in Africa should be written. Bravo! I could not put it down.

Provides insight into an atrocity that was oversimplified

When the rest of the world finally realized what had happened in Rwanda we reacted as if they, both Hutus and Tutsis, were sub-human, a form of life that we could not relate to. We did not bother to try to understand the conflicts that existed between the tribes for centuries. Pierce introduces characters who do not rationalize the tragedy, rather they take us on their journey and we begin to learn from them.

Riveting novel that thrusts you into the Rwanda nightmare

A well written novel that propels you directly into Rwanda's slaughter. Mr. Pierce uses his impressive knowledge of the people, land and issues to take the reader into a world of brutality, horror and death. Using a well balanced approach, both killers and victims speak their thoughts as the rampage continues. A provocative and fascinating account of a time of hatred one hopes will never recur.