Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
32(32%)
4 stars
34(34%)
3 stars
34(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
Wow. This book was truly remarkable. It was simultaneously heart-wrenching, horrifying, and enlightening.

The Rwandan genocide of 1994 was an event of indescribable horror. (Anyone who has seen Hotel Rwanda can attest to this.)

Gourevitch does an outstanding job of providing the background and motivation behind what was happening. He weaves in personal stories of survivors he met during his 9 months in Rwanda.

These stories bring the reality of the genocide to life in a way that statistics and historical accounts alone cannot.

The book forces the reader to confront the atrocities that took place and to grapple with the question of how such a thing could happen.

It is a powerful and important read that should be on the bookshelf of anyone interested in history, human rights, or the power of the human spirit to survive in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
July 15,2025
... Show More
There are numerous factors that contributed to the complex and tragic situation.

The precolonial inequalities set the stage for future conflicts. The fanatically thorough and hierarchical centralized administration further exacerbated the divisions. The Hamitic myth and the radical polarization under Belgian rule deepened the rift between different ethnic groups. The killings and expulsions that began with the Hutu revolution of 1959 added to the bloodshed.

The economic collapse of the late 1980s created more hardships and tensions. Habyarimana's refusal to let the Tutu refugees return was a major source of contention. The multiparty confusion led to political instability. The RPF attack and the subsequent war further escalated the violence.

The extremism of Hutu Power, along with its propaganda and practice of massacres, was truly horrifying. The massive importation of arms only made the situation more volatile. The threat to the Habyarimana oligarchy posed by peace through power sharing and integration also played a role. And to make matters worse, the indifference of the outside world allowed the atrocities to continue.

But nevertheless, this kind of mass slaughter is incomprehensible. And its legacy is devastating, leaving deep scars on the nation and its people.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The perp who got away is a story that has intrigued many.

Felicien Kabuga is one such individual. He is considered one of the world's most wanted men.

The article on GQ delves into his case. It explores how he managed to elude capture for so long.

Details of his crimes and the efforts made to bring him to justice are also discussed.

The link provided takes readers to the full story on GQ's website.

It offers a comprehensive look at this complex and fascinating case.

Those interested in true crime and the pursuit of justice will surely find it captivating.

As the search for Kabuga continues, the world awaits to see if he will finally be held accountable for his actions.

The story serves as a reminder of the importance of never giving up in the face of injustice.
July 15,2025
... Show More
A very comprehensive historical read on the genocide in Rwanda that took place in the mid-90s and claimed the lives of 800,000 people over the span of 100 days.

This tragic event is a large black stain in world history. It was a time of great horror and violence, when ethnic tensions boiled over and led to the systematic killing of innocent people.

For anyone willing to learn more about this dark chapter, this book is a profound source. It provides detailed accounts of the events leading up to the genocide, as well as the atrocities that were committed during those 100 days.

By reading this book, we can gain a better understanding of the causes and consequences of the Rwandan genocide, and hopefully learn from the mistakes of the past to prevent such tragedies from happening again in the future.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I was astoundingly ignorant about what happened after the initial 100-day massacre. This isn't only my fault. Gourevitch shows how Western media and governments completely ignored and misrepresented what happened in Rwanda and Zaire.

It is impossible to kill 1,000,000 humans in four weeks without huge long-term fallout. The situation in Rwanda today is dire. The median age in Rwanda is now 18 years. 43% of the population is aged 14 or under, and 63% of the country lives under the poverty line. 52% of children die before reaching 5 years of age.

The consequences of the genocide are still being felt today, and it is essential that we continue to raise awareness about what happened and work towards preventing similar atrocities from occurring in the future. We must not forget the victims of the Rwandan genocide and must do everything in our power to ensure that their voices are heard and their memories are honored.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This book about the Rwandan genocide provides a detailed account of the conflict from its very beginning.

It combines historical facts with personal stories, which, along with the beautiful descriptions of landscapes and situations, deeply触动 the emotions of the reader.

Moreover, the book also涵盖了the subsequent development of the conflict over time, including the ongoing issues with Congo and Burundi.

If you want to understand the complex conflict in Central Africa, this book is highly recommended. It offers a comprehensive and engaging perspective that will help you gain a better understanding of this tragic period in history.

Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the world, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and leave a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
... Show More

A highly enlightening book! This is truly a remarkable piece of literature that I firmly believe everyone should take the time to read. It has the power to open your mind, expand your perspective, and offer valuable insights into various aspects of life. The words within its pages have the potential to inspire, motivate, and transform you. Whether you are seeking knowledge, looking for inspiration, or simply want to embark on a thought-provoking journey, this book is a must-read. It can touch your heart, challenge your beliefs, and make you see the world in a whole new light. So, don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to discover the wisdom and beauty that lies within the pages of this highly enlightening book.

July 15,2025
... Show More

Obligatory reading for all. We must wake up and start learning from history. It is of utmost importance that we open our eyes and realize the significance of history. At least, we should pick up the book and make an effort to understand what exactly happened in the past.

Determining how many stars to give is truly impossible. I can firmly state that I certainly did not "really like" the book. However, this does not mean that the book is without value. It may have presented facts and events that are crucial for our understanding of history.

We need to approach such books with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Even if we do not have an immediate affinity for the content, we should recognize the importance of the knowledge it holds. By reading and learning from history, we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past and make more informed decisions for the future.

July 15,2025
... Show More
**Title: The Wonderful World of [Subject]**

Uff! The world of [subject] is truly a remarkable one.

It is filled with countless mysteries and wonders waiting to be discovered.

From the tiniest details to the grandest spectacles, there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Whether it's the beauty of nature, the complexity of human behavior, or the advancements in technology, [subject] offers a never-ending source of inspiration and fascination.

We can spend hours, days, or even a lifetime delving into its depths and still find ourselves amazed.

The more we learn about [subject], the more we realize how much there is yet to know.

It is a journey that never ends, and one that we should all embrace with open minds and hearts.

So, let's continue to explore the wonderful world of [subject] and see where it takes us.

Who knows what amazing discoveries we might make along the way?
July 15,2025
... Show More
I simply couldn't put this work down.

It is truly devastating and yet incredibly illuminating, especially when considered in the context of recent history in both Sub-Saharan Africa and Palestine.

It forces you to take a step back and reevaluate the entire international order.

The author has written with an unassuming yet precise fury that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

Each word seems carefully chosen to convey the gravity of the situations and the injustices that have occurred.

It is a powerful piece that leaves a lasting impression and challenges the reader to question the status quo.

Whether you are well-versed in these regions' histories or just beginning to learn, this work is a must-read.

It offers a unique perspective and a call to action for a more just and equitable world.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The movie Hotel Rwanda presents a harrowing account that can be compared to some of the most tragic events in history.

Did we truly learn from it? In today's world, it seems unlikely. It's as if we are repeating the same mistakes.

The film is comparable to the Holocaust, where evil clashed with evil. But perhaps there is also an outlandish inspiration to be found.

I was familiar with both the Rwandan genocide and the Holocaust, yet I was still shocked by much of what I saw in the movie.

Racism is a persistent problem that shows no sign of disappearing. And racism within one's own race is even more disturbing.

Was it really about race? Or was power and control the underlying issue, with race being used as an excuse?

Nothing seems to have been learned from the horrors of that day. What was truly solved?

Yes, there was an end to the violence, but it took far too long.

The community suffered greatly, losing countless family members, friends, and colleagues.

The orders to kill were given without question, and people complied, making the jobs of the gangs easier.

It was a case of kill or be killed, and the result was a nightmare scenario.

The alleged mindset of strengthening the community by killing the weak is unjustifiable, especially when it involves the rape of women and children.

The title of the movie is fitting, as families were torn apart and people were forced to make impossible choices.

The real question is, what kind of world do we want to live in? And what are we willing to do to prevent such atrocities from happening again?

This movie provides a shocking first-hand account of the events and offers valuable historical context.

It makes us think about the choices we make and the consequences of our actions.

What would you give up to live one more day, even if that day was filled with horror?

It's a question that forces us to confront our own values and beliefs.

July 15,2025
... Show More
In April of 1994, the government of Rwanda issued a call for the Hutu majority to massacre the Tutsi minority.

Over the next three months, a staggering 800,000 Tutsis were brutally murdered, marking one of the most blatant cases of genocide since Hitler's war against the Jews.

Philip Gourevitch's book delves into the background of this genocide, providing a harrowing account of the events and the struggle for survival in the aftermath.

When Rwanda was a colony, Belgians sent scientists who measured cranial capacities and concluded that Tutsis had "nobler" and more aristocratic dimensions than the Hutus.

After independence, Rwanda's revolutionaries became "mimic men," repeating the same abuses they had rebelled against and creating a situation of "two nations in one state."

Supernaturalism prevailed, as seen in Dian Fossey's experience with her cleaning lady taking her hair and fingernails. Sadly, Fossey would later be murdered.

When the mass extermination of Tutsis began, the UN forces remained inactive, and foreign governments fled. The radio incited the slaughter, and Hutu oppositionists were assassinated. Some claimed they took lives to protect their families, but in 100 days, 800,000 people were killed, at a rate of 4.5 per minute, not including the maimed and raped. Even dogs were shot for eating the dead, while UN troops failed to use their guns to protect the living.

Ten Belgian troops were killed, leading to Belgium's withdrawal. The soldiers shredded their UN berets in protest.

Major General Dallaire asserted that he could stop the genocide with just 5,000 soldiers and freedom of action. However, the same day, the UN Security Council reduced the force by 90%, leaving them to watch the horror unfold. Madeleine Albright, who had fled Nazi persecution, opposed even this limited action.

Later, the refugee camps shielded the killers, and humanitarian workers suggested "getting over it and moving on," treating the genocide as a nuisance.

Five out of every six Rwandan children had witnessed the slaughter, resulting in widespread depression.

The central prison system remained in good condition, but by 1997, 125,000 Hutus were incarcerated. The government faced the challenge of putting them all on trial, especially with the courts closed. It took 2.5 years to have a single trial, and true justice would have likely led to even more killing. Hutu lies further confused the world.

It was President Clinton's greatest regret that he did not intervene. Even today, if the US does nothing, no one else will. He would later visit Rwanda and offer an apology, which surprisingly had an impact.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.