Dances with Devils - by Jacques Pauw

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! :-)

Comments

[Simon]

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.

[CYRIL KRIEL]

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

[Clive Simpkins]

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

[Scarlet]

You write very well.

[Shayoni]

Pauw is an inspiration for anyone considering journalism in these times of media gone mad.

[brenda karibeti]

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