Best book on the Rwandan Massacre

[Undesired Walrus]

I've become very interested in the Hutu and Tutsi disputes in Burundi and Rwanda, and would like a read a good, informative book on the massacre in Rwanda and the events leading up to it.

I'd prefer a well-reviewed, well-written book rather than a dry but detailed academic read.

Any suggestions?

[Schrodinger's Cat]

The best book I have read on the subject is Philip Gourevich's "We wish to Inform you that Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families."

[fleabeetle]

Should perhaps declare a "vested interest" re an author who is a great favourite of mine: Dervla Murphy. Can recommend her "Visiting Rwanda" (publ. 1998); following from time spent near, and in, the country, subsequent to the ugly events -- thoughtful research and commentary on "how come?", and on the aftermath. (Highly readable.)

[Gord_in_Toronto]

Check out the documentaries on and the writings and interviews with Roméo Dallaire. He was the general in charge of the UN peacekeeping forces in Rwanda. Shake Hands with the Devil is his most well known work. You could start here -- Rom%C3%A9o_Dallaire

[Lisa Simpson]

I agree with Schrodinger's Cat. I also read An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina (http://www.amazon.com/Ordinary-Isis-Hardcover-Large-Print/dp/0753194066/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1). This is the guy the movie Hotel Rwanda was based on (although the real story is of course, vastly different than the movie).

[angrysoba]

The Philip Gourevich book is the one I see cited most often. There was a novel I read about the war called, "A Sunday by the pool in Kigali" but I am not sure how useful it would be or accurate it is.

[ysabella]

I asked my spouse, who used to work for the UN and has stacks of books about Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. He says "If you're only going to read one, it should be We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed With Our Families. If you want another, he recommends The Keys to My Neighbor's House.

I think those books touch on it, but I heard a radio discussion some months ago that was really illuminating about some of the things that contributed to the war, like there being barely enough arable land to feed everyone in Rwanda, the traditionally large families, and the land inheritance laws.