When a Crocodile Eats the Sun: A Memoir of Africa

By Peter Godwin

A Thrilling and Heartbreaking Memoir of Survival and Resilience in Africa

In his powerful and unforgettable memoir, Peter Godwin tells the story of his childhood in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) during the tumultuous years of the country's civil war. Godwin's family was caught in the crossfire of the conflict, and he witnessed firsthand the brutality and violence that tore the country apart. Despite the hardships he endured, Godwin's story is ultimately one of hope and resilience. He writes with honesty and compassion about the people he met during his time in Rhodesia, and he offers a unique perspective on one of the most turbulent periods in African history.

A Childhood in Rhodesia

Peter Godwin was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia, in 1957. His father was a British colonial official, and his mother was a South African. Godwin grew up in a privileged world, but he was also aware of the racial tensions that were simmering beneath the surface of Rhodesian society. In 1965, Rhodesia declared its independence from Britain, and the country was plunged into a civil war that would last for 15 years.

The Civil War

The Rhodesian civil war was a brutal conflict that pitted the white-minority government against the black majority. Godwin's family was caught in the middle of the fighting, and they were forced to flee their home several times. Godwin witnessed firsthand the horrors of war, and he saw many of his friends and family members killed. Despite the danger, Godwin refused to give up hope. He continued to attend school, and he even managed to play cricket for the Rhodesian national team.

Independence and Exile

In 1980, Rhodesia finally gained its independence from Britain, and the country was renamed Zimbabwe. Godwin was overjoyed by the end of the war, but he knew that the country would face many challenges in the years to come. He decided to leave Zimbabwe and move to England, where he studied journalism. Godwin has since become a successful writer and journalist, and he has written extensively about Africa.

A Story of Hope and Resilience

When a Crocodile Eats the Sun is a powerful and moving memoir that tells the story of one man's survival and resilience in the face of adversity. Godwin's writing is honest, compassionate, and deeply personal. He offers a unique perspective on one of the most turbulent periods in African history, and his story is a reminder of the human spirit's ability to triumph over even the most difficult circumstances.

Praise for When a Crocodile Eats the Sun

"A powerful and unforgettable memoir. Godwin writes with honesty and compassion about the people he met during his time in Rhodesia, and he offers a unique perspective on one of the most turbulent periods in African history." - The New York Times

"A beautifully written and deeply moving account of a childhood in Rhodesia during the civil war. Godwin's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to triumph over even the most difficult circumstances." - The Washington Post

"A must-read for anyone interested in African history or in the power of the human spirit." - The Boston Globe