Andrei Makine is a russian born writer currently living in exile in France ,he also now write in french ,as well as poems in Russia ,He has written numerous novels ,he has been supported by Alain Maisse who is a fan of Makines work .The book centres on Elias Almeida a man born in Angola in the 60’s as a child he sees some horrors ,he grows to be a solider and gets caught up in the political turbulence that engulf southern africa ,with influences from russia and cuba ,he becomes indoctrinated in communism and marxist ideals ,meets an attractive white women ,the book sees his struggles and the struggles of his homeland Angola and the other countries like Zaire around Angola as he starts to fight ,this also take him top russia where he first meets anne a student at the time .they fall in love but he has to return to Africa
A revolution , the instructors used to say ,is not just the matter of explosives .It takes long and meticulous preparation .Initially the “popular masses” must be worked on in depth creating both networks of fighting men and looser ones of “fellow travellers ” and “sympathizers ” essential to success of the uprising
Elias remembering being taught about revolutions .
This book is about many things race ,love ,communism Makine has tried to tackle russia’s involvement in Africa through one man’s tale .His style is highly readable Elias comes across as a man trapped by who he is and where he is from ,he glimpse different life at times and becomes disillusioned with the doctrines he has been taught when he sees the suffering that it can cause ,as he shes what he calls fat cat Africans on the circuit talking about what he is putting in to place through fighting in the wars. He has he struggles with this concept .Makine as ever is translated by Geoffrey Strachan who has translated all his books .If you want an inside tract to African politics through a soldiers eyes this book is ideal .the book made me think and remind me of the news images in the early 80’s from Angola ,Nambia and Zaire as war’s raged on but the general population was forgotten at times .
Wow, love the sounds of it Stu. Another addition to my ever expanding wish list!
it is very good amy 🙂 ,all the best stu
Really like Makine but not read this one will put it on the list of books to hunt down.
its worth it simon ,all the best stu
I loved the Makine I read (Dreams of My Russian Summer), and this sounds perfect for when I want to follow up with him!
yes ,his new one looks very good as well eva ,be reading it in a few weeks
This sounds like a lovely read. Added to my wishlist!
Stu, you continue to amaze me. I haven’t read any Makine, though I have aware of him. Thanks for this review. The Russian involvement in Africa, indeed the whole Cold War thing had an impact on this continent. Will add this to my wishlist.
did wonder if it was up your street kinna 🙂 ,all the best stu