books @ cc.

by Philip Gourevitch (1998)

This is probably the most popular and accessible book written on Rwandan genocide, a ’smaller canvas’ book that would be a good introduction. It’s not as detached as Prunier’s, but never falling into the trap of so-called ‘philantrophic’ writing (where people are often portrayed as some sort of helpless, docile ‘unfortunates’ whom you are deigning yourself to help and should pat yourself on the back for). If you want more personal accounts by some (sometimes key) personnels (including Paul Rusesabagina of Hotel Rwanda, Paul Kagame, and just random people), read this one.