Radio Congo: Signals of Hope from Africa's Deadliest War - Couverture souple

“Intimate and entertaining portraits” - The Economist

“Rawlence gets under Congo's skin... He makes a self-effacing guide with a necessary sense of the ridiculous, an eye for the telling detail, and a talent for evocative description. But it is his closeness to the Congolese that really stands out.” - The Times

“An unexpected broadcast of hope... This is a much-needed introduction to a misunderstood country and a welcome glimpse of sunshine.”

“Rawlence writes in a lyrical style, whether he's introducing us to some of the eccentric characters he meets along the way or whether describing the scenes he encounters, both harsh and beautiful.” - We Love This Book

“Books about the Congo are often amazing reads. Ben Rawlence's Radio Congo is the latest in that fine tradition.” - Lonely Planet

“Powerful... an enlightening contribution.” - Think Africa Press

“A compelling debut.”

“Undaunted by hazards that would send most journalists scurrying back to the bar of their hotel, Rawlence gets far deeper into the life of this war-torn country.” - Adam Hochschild, author of King Leopold's Ghost

“This is a book written where angels fear to tread. Angel, in its etymology, means messenger, and Rawlence here travels as a true messenger: listening with deep empathy and writing with wings. With insight, humour, and lyricism, Rawlence brings Congo to life, shimmering and vivid” - Jay Griffiths, author of Wild: An Elemental Journey

“Lucid, laconic, and elegantly written.”

In this extraordinary debut called ‘gripping’ by The Times of London Ben Rawlence sets out to gather the news from a forgotten town deep in Congo's ‘silent quarter’ where peace is finally being built after two decades of civil war and devastation. Ignoring the advice of locals, reporters, and mercenaries, he travels by foot, bike, and boat, introducing us to Colonel Ibrahim, a guerrilla turned army officer; Benjamin, the kindly father of the most terrifying Mai Mai warlord; the cousins Mohammed and Mohammed, young tin traders hoping to make their fortune; and talk show host Mama Christine, who dispenses counsel and courage in equal measure. From the ‘blood cheese’ of Goma to the decaying city of Manono, Rawlence uncovers the real stories of life during the war and finds hope for the future.