Country of My Skull: Guilt, Sorrow, and the Limits of Forgiveness in the New South AfricaEver since Nelson Mandela dramatically walked out of prison in 1990 after twenty-seven years behind bars, South Africa has been undergoing a radical transformation. In one of the most miraculous events of the century, the oppressive system of apartheid was dismantled. Repressive laws mandating separation of the races were thrown out. The country, which had been carved into a crazy quilt that reserved the most prosperous areas for whites and the most desolate and backward for blacks, was reunited. The dreaded and dangerous security force, which for years had systematically tortured, spied upon, and harassed people of color and their white supporters, was dismantled. But how could this country--one of spectacular beauty and promise--come to terms with its ugly past? How could its people, whom the oppressive white government had pitted against one another, live side by side as friends and neighbors? To begin the healing process, Nelson Mandela created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, headed by the renowned cleric Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Established in 1995, the commission faced the awesome task of hearing the testimony of the victims of apartheid as well as the oppressors. Amnesty was granted to those who offered a full confession of any crimes associated with apartheid. Since the commission began its work, it has been the central player in a drama that has riveted the country. In this book, Antjie Krog, a South African journalist and poet who has covered the work of the commission, recounts the drama, the horrors, the wrenching personal stories of the victims and their families. Through the testimonies of victims of abuse and violence, from the appearance of Winnie Mandela toformer South African president P. W. Botha's extraordinary courthouse press conference, this award-winning poet leads us on an amazing journey. Country of My Skull captures the complexity of the Truth Commission's work. The narrative is often traumatic, vivid, and provocative. Krog's powerful prose lures the reader actively and inventively through a mosaic of insights, impressions, and secret themes. This compelling tale is Antjie Krog's profound literary account of the mending of a country that was in colossal need of change. |
From inside the book
Results 1-3 of 94
Page 30
... amnesty would be unconstitutional . The interim Constitution clearly states that there will be amnesty . Hot on his heels are the families of Steve Biko , and Griffiths and Victoria Mxenge . They say that amnesty will take away the ...
... amnesty would be unconstitutional . The interim Constitution clearly states that there will be amnesty . Hot on his heels are the families of Steve Biko , and Griffiths and Victoria Mxenge . They say that amnesty will take away the ...
Page 152
... amnesty . He refuses to be abused by a party that will not accept equal treatment before a Truth Commission . There are opposing opinions on the merits of applying for amnesty . The one is that all the applicants deserve some praise ...
... amnesty . He refuses to be abused by a party that will not accept equal treatment before a Truth Commission . There are opposing opinions on the merits of applying for amnesty . The one is that all the applicants deserve some praise ...
Page 154
... amnesty rulings on twelve applicants . The Amnesty Committee has made its findings pub- lic under pressure from the Truth Commission itself : desperate lawyers and advocates have been complaining to the commission that only two amnesty ...
... amnesty rulings on twelve applicants . The Amnesty Committee has made its findings pub- lic under pressure from the Truth Commission itself : desperate lawyers and advocates have been complaining to the commission that only two amnesty ...
Contents
ONE They Never Wept the Men of My Race | 3 |
TWO None More Parted Than Us | 19 |
THREE Stretched Thinner and Thinner over Pitches of Grief | 37 |
Copyright | |
18 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
already amnesty answer apartheid asked become blood body Botha called Cape changed child comes commissioners Committee crying death don't door eyes face fact father feel felt fire force four front give hand happened head heard hearing honor human it's journalists keep kill kind later lawyer leader leave live look Mamasela Mandela means months morning mother move murder never night Party past person police political president questions reconciliation remember says shot someone sound South African speak stand started Stompie story taken talk tell things thought told took town Truth Commission turned Tutu victims voice waiting walk week whole wife Winnie woman wrong