theburningshore

Aid and Other Dirty Business

Thoughtful reflection based on work as low level diplomat and aid worker in Africa

The Shattered Continent      Robert Guest

Robert Guest was a journalist for The Economist and was present for many years in Africa. This is an easy read that identifies many of the issues faced by Africa,

A Long Way Gone   Ishmael Beah

A harrowing account of life as a child soldier in Sierra Leone. Ishmael Beah survived the conflict and fled to New York. Obviously this young man was very intelligent and gifted – for him a new life began. Many of his friends were not so well equipped and not so lucky.

Heart of Darfur  Lisa French Blaker

A personal account of six months working in Darfur. This book is at once heart wrenching and hopeful as the spirit of the ordinary Sudanese people shines amidst the conflict and devastation