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A review by ljrinaldi
Kivu by Jean Van Hamme
5.0
Europe, in the 1800s, decided to carve up Africa into their colonies. There was so much mineral wealth, so many natural resources, that the European nations could hardly contain themselves.
Most Americans know the history of the British colonies, somewhat. They know who are members of the Commonwealth. But we Americans are not aware of of the French, Portuguese, Belgian, and German colonies. I'm sure we have heard of the Belgian Congo, but most Americans could not find it on a map, and probably would have no idea why they would want to.
This graphic novel talks about what it is like now, in the Congo, and what years of colonization and then liberation have done to the country, which is in a civil war, and committing genocide wherever and whenever they can. It is a very sad state of affairs, but it serves as a backdrop for this story about Stéphane, all innocent, who goes there to work for a multinational company, and sees the corruption and the raping, and the killing, and wants to do something about it.
But, no it isn't really a white savior story. Because the people he works with to do this, are people from the country. As is pointed out often, he doesn't know the language, and he doesn't' know the area. The people have lived there all their lives, so they know the lay of the land.
In fact, if it weren't for them, he would have been killed many times over.
Very good book, showing the horrors of the region, and the mess the European colonists left be hind.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Most Americans know the history of the British colonies, somewhat. They know who are members of the Commonwealth. But we Americans are not aware of of the French, Portuguese, Belgian, and German colonies. I'm sure we have heard of the Belgian Congo, but most Americans could not find it on a map, and probably would have no idea why they would want to.
This graphic novel talks about what it is like now, in the Congo, and what years of colonization and then liberation have done to the country, which is in a civil war, and committing genocide wherever and whenever they can. It is a very sad state of affairs, but it serves as a backdrop for this story about Stéphane, all innocent, who goes there to work for a multinational company, and sees the corruption and the raping, and the killing, and wants to do something about it.
But, no it isn't really a white savior story. Because the people he works with to do this, are people from the country. As is pointed out often, he doesn't know the language, and he doesn't' know the area. The people have lived there all their lives, so they know the lay of the land.
In fact, if it weren't for them, he would have been killed many times over.
Very good book, showing the horrors of the region, and the mess the European colonists left be hind.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.