Book Review - The Fear

The Fear: Robert Mugabe and the Martyrdom of Zimbabwe is a damning account of the post election violence in Zimbabwe in 2008. After nearly 30 years in power, Mugabe lost the presidential election to opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai. Mugabe denied the results and unleashed a brutal crackdown on the people of Zimbabwe. This is a disturbing and violent read, but at the same time the book highlights the incredible resilience of the Zimbabwean people.

The author, native Zimbabwean Peter Godwin, travelled to Zimbabwe during this post election violence at great personal risk to bear witness to the events that the world was largely ignoring. This book is most appropriate for people deeply interested in African politics, and those of Zimbabwe specifically.