Title: When a Crocodile Eats the Sun: A Memoir of Africa
Author: Peter Godwin
First published January 1, 2006
344 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316158947 (ISBN10: 0316158941)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
Peter Godwin is caught between two worlds, Manhattan and Zimbabwe, the land of his birth. He returns to Zimbabwe to take care of his ailing parents, only to witness the country’s decline into chaos and violence under a dictator’s rule.
Despite the destruction of their comfortable lifestyle and the mass exodus of millions, his parents refuse to leave, deeply entrenched in their love for the country they have called home for half a century. As Godwin grapples with his own identity crisis, a family secret is revealed that unlocks the mystery behind his parents’ unwavering allegiance.
WHEN A CROCODILE EATS THE SUN is an emotional memoir that explores the unraveling of a family set against the backdrop of a crumbling country. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of love in the face of adversity.
About the Author
Peter Godwin has spent his life exploring and reporting on the world. Born and raised in Africa, he studied law at Cambridge and international relations at Oxford before practicing human rights law in Zimbabwe.
He then became a foreign and war correspondent, reporting from over 60 countries, including Angola, Mozambique, and Sudan during times of conflict. He has worked for the London Sunday Times, BBC television, and written for publications such as Vanity Fair and National Geographic.
Godwin is also the author of five non-fiction books, including Mukiwa, which won several awards. He has taught writing at universities such as Princeton and Columbia and was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2010.
Editoral Review
Peter Godwin’s memoir, When a Crocodile Eats the Sun, is a powerful and emotional journey through his life growing up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) during its turbulent transition from colonial rule to independence. First published in 2006, this memoir is a stunning tribute to a country that was once a thriving African nation but has since been ravaged by war, corruption, and political turmoil.
Godwin, a Zimbabwean journalist, is no stranger to writing about his country’s history and culture. His previous works, including Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa and The Fear: Robert Mugabe and the Martyrdom of Zimbabwe, explored the political landscape of his homeland.
In When a Crocodile Eats the Sun, Godwin turns his attention inward, delving into his own personal experiences and family history.
The memoir follows Godwin as he returns to Zimbabwe after many years living abroad to be with his dying father. As he navigates the familiar streets and landscapes of his childhood, he reflects on his family’s past, including their privileged life as white settlers in Rhodesia and their involvement in the country’s political upheaval.
He also explores the impact of colonialism and racism on Zimbabwe’s black population and the devastating effects of Mugabe’s regime on the country.
Godwin’s writing is vivid and poignant, capturing the beauty and tragedy of Zimbabwe with stunning clarity. He weaves together personal anecdotes, historical research, and cultural analysis to create a complex and nuanced portrait of a country in crisis.
His descriptions of the landscape and wildlife are particularly evocative, transporting the reader to the African savannahs and rivers where crocodiles lurk.
The characters in When a Crocodile Eats the Sun are fully realized, with deep emotional connections and complex motivations. Godwin portrays his family members with honesty and compassion, even as he confronts their complicity in Rhodesia’s racist policies.
He also introduces us to Zimbabweans from all walks of life, from wealthy white landowners to poor black farmers, providing a multifaceted view of the country’s history and culture.
The memoir’s pacing is slow and deliberate, reflecting the reflective nature of Godwin’s journey. While some readers may find the narrative meandering at times, others will appreciate the depth of detail and emotional resonance.
The book’s themes of identity, memory, and loss are universal and relevant to readers of all backgrounds, making it a valuable addition to the memoir genre.
When a Crocodile Eats the Sun is not without its flaws. The narrative can be dense and difficult to follow at times, and some readers may find the frequent shifts in time and perspective confusing.
Additionally, while Godwin’s writing is beautiful, it can also be overly descriptive at times, slowing down the narrative’s momentum.
Overall, however, When a Crocodile Eats the Sun is a powerful and important memoir that offers a unique perspective on Zimbabwe’s history and culture. Godwin’s writing is lyrical and evocative, transporting the reader to a world that is both beautiful and devastating.
Recommended for readers interested in memoirs, African history, and cultural analysis.
Rating: 4/5
