The Bearded Lion Who Roars: Simba Mandefu Mabe

By Elise Dallemagne-Cookson

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156474115X
• ISBN13: 9781564741158
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Fithian Pr
• Length: 286 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Eyewitness account of Zaire's quest for independence

Ms. Dallemagne-Cookson paints a fascinating picture of life immediately before and during Belgian Congo's independence movement of 1960. This story was tragically repeated in many newly created African countries as the move to end colonialism once and for all gained momentum, but left in its wake people virtually leaderless after years of institutionalized governing. Europeans, whether they wanted to or not, exited their former colonies and left behind people unprepared to adequately conduct their own affairs. Many of these, including Elise's father-in-law from whom the book's title originates, deeply loved their life in Africa and were caught up by something over which they had no control. In spite of years of harmony with the local population, they were transformed overnight into hated imperialists and forced to leave. Meanwhile, in the new countries, those with the ability to lead rapidly learned "power corrupts" and without anyone to hold them in check embarked on shameless venality, leaving general populaces no better off than before, in almost every instance worse. The detrimental effects of that linger still to this day. Ms. Dallemagne-Cookson has a wonderfully masterful use of language and - along with the advantage of being on-scene for the entire event - has produced a work of art that no self-respecting history buff can ignore. Other than a map, the book has no pictures and needs none; the story line will generate all the mental illustrations you'll ever need. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, both in 1995 when it was given to me by Elise's brother Peter Cookson and his wife Karen - my mother - and when I read it again a year ago.