A Continent for the Taking

The Tragedy and Hope of Africa

By: Howard W. French

Narrated by: Mirron E. Willis

Length: 10 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

In A Continent for the Taking, Howard W. French, a veteran correspondent for The New York Times, gives a compelling firsthand account of some of Africa's most devastating recent history - from the fall of Mobutu Sese Seko, to Charles Taylor's arrival in Monrovia, to the genocide in Rwanda and the Congo that left millions dead.

Blending eyewitness reportage with rich historical insight, French searches deeply into the causes of today's events, illuminating the debilitating legacy of colonization and the abiding hypocrisy and inhumanity of both Western and African political leaders. While he captures the tragedies that have repeatedly befallen Africa's peoples, French also opens our eyes to the immense possibility that lies in Africa's complexity, diversity, and myriad cultural strengths.

The culmination of 25 years of passionate exploration and understanding, this is a powerful and ultimately hopeful book about a fascinating and misunderstood continent.

©2004 Howard W. French (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Persuasive.... The tone is grim, but French also finds an unquenchable African spirit." ( The Washington Post Book World)

"[French’s] skill as a writer - in particular his telling anecdotes, fascinating historical narratives and prescriptions for a complex continent he clearly loves - is compelling.... He succeeds brilliantly in helping readers understand the continent and its people." ( The Globe & Mail, Toronto)

"This is the best book about Africa to come out in some time." ( Chicago Tribune)

A story to pay your attention to

It is always a pleasure to hear such a real story. For a person who knows almost nothing about Africa, as mass media seldom report on this truly desperate and unfortunate continent, it was a kind of revelation that the situation in Africa is much worse than it seems here in Europe. The book is full of facts, people's accounts and historic data. Special thanks to Howard French - a reporter who spent so much energy in order to show how the things in Africa, or at least in part of it, run nowadays. The choice of the performer is also a bull's eye shot - Afro-American voice for a book about Africa. Besides, the narrator is not a monotonous one but full of emotions and emphasis where necessary. Well done. All fives from me.

An essential In-depth History of neo colonial Africa

Curious to know the real reasons why Africa is the poster child for war and poverty? Read this book!

The biggest mistake African leaders of the past made was underestimating Europeans.

European greed/envy and African stupidity / short sightedness was the reason for Africa’s downfall.

Is not a historical overview, it's a narrative

What made the experience of listening to A Continent for the Taking the most enjoyable?

Learning about dictators, uprising, and problems in modern Africa.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The use of personal stories, combining with historical events.

If you could give A Continent for the Taking a new subtitle, what would it be?

A narrative of a late 20th century journalist.

Any additional comments?

Do not get this book if you are looking for historical overview of Africa. Although the title indicates that it would focus on colonial powers taking and reshaping Africa, in fact it focuses on civil wars and dictators of the authors experience.

Excellent!!!

This writing is another great from Mr.French!
His use of visual language allows the reader to embrace the moment as if the reader was present in the time of discovery.