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A review by sarapalooza
The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuściński
5.0
The Shadow of the Sun
Ryszard Kapuscinski
The Warsaw Airport first introduced me to Kapuscinski. I wanted to read more literature from Polish authors and his “Nobody Leaves: Impressions of Poland” was a beautiful window into a specific time in rural Poland. His reporting was clear-eyed and to the point, but with a little extra “zhoosh.” Who says “zhoosh” can’t be a literary term? He had a true adventurer’s spirit and an empathy that’s often missing in our cynical day and age.
Kapuscinski was drawn to Africa from early in his life and spent many years there as a reporter. His tales of time spent in over fifteen countries with multiple people are truly moving. It is at once an uplifting read, full of the richness of culture and beautiful tradition, and a difficult one which addresses the horrors of colonialism and oppression.
Kapuscinski crisscrosses the continent, witnessing coups, battling malaria, listening to oral histories, talking to academics and warlords, in an attempt to learn. He is self-aware and humble and describes his encounters without judging or critiquing.
Some mighty fine reporting, and so much food for thought. I was page turning and losing track of time with the best of them! Recommend!
Ryszard Kapuscinski
The Warsaw Airport first introduced me to Kapuscinski. I wanted to read more literature from Polish authors and his “Nobody Leaves: Impressions of Poland” was a beautiful window into a specific time in rural Poland. His reporting was clear-eyed and to the point, but with a little extra “zhoosh.” Who says “zhoosh” can’t be a literary term? He had a true adventurer’s spirit and an empathy that’s often missing in our cynical day and age.
Kapuscinski was drawn to Africa from early in his life and spent many years there as a reporter. His tales of time spent in over fifteen countries with multiple people are truly moving. It is at once an uplifting read, full of the richness of culture and beautiful tradition, and a difficult one which addresses the horrors of colonialism and oppression.
Kapuscinski crisscrosses the continent, witnessing coups, battling malaria, listening to oral histories, talking to academics and warlords, in an attempt to learn. He is self-aware and humble and describes his encounters without judging or critiquing.
Some mighty fine reporting, and so much food for thought. I was page turning and losing track of time with the best of them! Recommend!