This book was completely engrossing; as is commonly said, the truth is grander than fiction. Here is written the history of the colonization of the Congo, the mass murder and exploitation, and the mass deception King Leopold II was able to pull off, until a series of heroes breaks open and publicizes the truth and the horror, the horror. Stars (amongst others) King Leopold II, Henry Morton Stanley (of Stanley and Livingstone), a gay Irishman, a narcoleptic lawyer, and of course, Joseph Conrad has several cameos.
Thanks for the review Dot -- I've wishlisted this now. Although Amazon's algorithms sometimes produce unfortunate results:
"Buy this book with We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will be Killed With Our Families by Philip Gourevitch today!"
And, inexplicably, over on the page for Gourevitch's book:
"Customers interested in this title may also be interested in:
* Bosnia Singles
* Sexy Bosnian Guys & Girls
* Meet Bosnia Singles"
They've made a movie from the book. The documentary is being shown at film festivals now, and they're looking for a distrubutor to pick it up. Don Cheadle provides some of the narration.
Comment #2 :: link :: August 11, 2005 8:52 PM :: homepage
