After reading Natasha's blog post about Darfur last month, I set a goal for myself to get more informed about the atrocities happening to the people there. I have to say that I didn't do much but check out some sites that she had listed on her post. Well, with her Reading and Blogging for Darfur starting this month I have commited to read at least one book and review it. So, here is the book I have chosen. Darfur Diaries. In February, 2003, the Sudanese Liberation Army in Darfur (the western region of Sudan) after years of oppression took up arms against the Sudanese government. The government and allied militias answered the rebellion with mass murder, rape and the wholesale destruction of villages and livelihood, resulting in one of the world's largest humanitarian and political crises. Up to 2 million people were displaced; 400,000 people killed. In October and November, 2004, after watching woefully inadequate media coverage on the crisis in Darfur, a team of three independent filmmakers trekked to Darfurian refugee camps in eastern Chad and crept across the border into Darfur. They met dozens of Darfurians, and spoke with them about their history, hopes and fears, and the tragedy they are living. Refugees and displaced peoples, civilians and fighters resisting the Sudanese government, teachers, students, parents, children and community leaders provide the heart of Darfur Diaries. Their stories and testimonies, woven together through the personal experience of the filmmakers, and conveyed with political and historical context, provide a much-needed account to help understand Darfur. These are people whose lives, homes, safety and rights deserve to be protected as vigilantly as those of peoples all over the world.
I am a terrible history/textbook/Non-Fiction reader. It is hard for me to read these types of books, but this one focuses on individuals' lives and experiences. This seems like it will be the best option for me. Now I need to get myself to the bookstore to pick up a copy and get started reading.
Like you, I have trouble understanding histories unless there is a personal angle. This sounds like it would be a good book for me on the subject, as well.
ReplyDeletesounds like an interesting read, when I read non-fiction, I also need it to be from a certain persons point of view. This way I can kind of feel a bit more connected and not get bored.
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Hi, Mari. I linked to your blog via J. Kaye's Book Blog.
ReplyDeleteI need to track down a book about Darfur, too. What Natasha is doing is so admirable and inspiring.
BTW, I love the image in your header. I really enjoyed both The Poisonwood Bible and A Widow for One Year. Irving and Kingsolver rock!
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