Whatever Happened to Robert Mugabe?

Parallel narratives tell the stories of Rhodesia’s transition to Zimbabwe and Mugabe’s personal journey, using one to explain the other, finally suggesting why Mugabe chose the road he has. As a biography it has everything, great personal detail, and as his star ascends commentators reflect on early landmarks in his career. That the intellectual Young Turk was admired and respected is illustrated by fascinating archival film interviews. The parallel story of the transition is equally well researched, as is Lancaster House, the Matabeleland genocide and the effect of global business on Africa’s economies. But it’s the behind-the-scenes jostling for power, which Bright exposes that are the most riveting. Mugabe emerges as unquestionably one of history’s most canny leaders.