This is an astonishing book. Written by what is clearly a very brave
(or mad!) journalist with a self-extinction wish.
I read Riaan Malan's 'My Traitor's Heart' earlier in 2006. I thought it was an astonishing expose of what went on behind the scenes of Apartheid atrocities. But Jacques Pauw's book 'Dances with Devils' goes a quantum leap further yet. It reads from start to finish like a brilliant whodunnit.
I was tempted to cut the book in half to make the sheer physical weight more manageable as a 'lie in bed' read. This is a big book in every sense of the word. Its subject matter traverses the continent of Africa in heart-stopping, breath-holding, sleep-depriving fashion.
If, as I have, you've travelled within continental Africa on business, you'll have a sense of the (considerable) urban challenges of doing so. Pauw's journalistic forays take him into remote rural or desert locations with drugged-up warlords and genocide perpetrators, in which his only means of departure or (more accurately) 'escape', is a United Nations food-drop aircraft which might or might not arrive within a week.
If you'd like to read the story behind the stories and documentaries that have featured on SABC TV's 'Special Assignment' program - Pauw's international award-winning video journalism showcase - and gain an unparalleled insight into and an understanding of the intrinsic socio-dynamics of Africa - this is a must-not-miss read. You'll force your friends to read it. Just go ask mine! :-)
I absolutely agree, I read Pauw's book and could not put it down.
An outstanding commentary on African affairs and politics from a man who clearly knows his stuff.
Posted by: Simon | Sunday, 23 March 2008 at 14:30
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU CAN TELL ME THE NAME OF THE BOOK ABOUT FERDI BARNARD I READ A YOUR PIECE IN THE YOU ABOUT HIM
Posted by: CYRIL KRIEL | Wednesday, 26 March 2008 at 12:57
Hi Cyril! I definitely haven't written anything about Ferdi Barnard and also not for YOU magazine. Nothing comes up on Google either. Sorry I can't help. Regards, Clive
Posted by: Clive Simpkins | Wednesday, 26 March 2008 at 16:12
You write very well.
Posted by: Scarlet | Tuesday, 28 October 2008 at 20:28
Pauw is an inspiration for anyone considering journalism in these times of media gone mad.
Posted by: Shayoni | Wednesday, 26 November 2008 at 21:37
only got to read the book through my lecturer at college,would really love to have my own copy because it is an interestin piece of work.keep up the good work
Posted by: brenda karibeti | Wednesday, 30 May 2012 at 15:25