logo
pagesback-cover
amazon
4.7
Get
walmart
4.0
Get
176
Reddit meter
all mentions

Machete Season

272 pages, 2006

history

history

999 books
Takeaways
Description

Late in 1994, the tiny country of Rwanda erupted into the world's most protracted and violent civil war, in which 800,000 people were killed. Four years later, journalist Jean Hatzfeld journeyed to Rwanda to interview ten participants in the brutal genocide. 

In Machete Season , he records their stories of torture and murder of civilians from every corner of society. As Susan Sontag wrote in the preface, [the book] is a document that everyone should read . . . [because of making] the effort to understand what happened in Rwanda . . . is part of being a moral adult.

Understanding the Rwandan Genocide

Machete Season by Jean Hatzfeld gives you a deep insight into the Rwandan Genocide. It's a chance to explore the horrifying events from the perspective of the killers, which is a rare and unsettling viewpoint. This book will make you question the depths of human nature and the power of societal pressure.

The Power of Peer Pressure

Hatzfeld's book shows how peer pressure can lead to unthinkable actions. The killers in the book were ordinary people who were influenced by their community to commit horrific acts. It's a stark reminder of the importance of standing up against wrong, even when everyone else is doing it.

The Complexity of Forgiveness

In Machete Season, you'll see the struggle of forgiveness in the aftermath of genocide. The author paints a vivid picture of the survivors' struggle to forgive their neighbors who turned into killers. It's a thought-provoking look into the complexity of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Impact of Dehumanization

The book digs into the process of dehumanization that allowed the killers to commit such atrocities. It's a chilling reminder of how dangerous it can be when we stop seeing others as human beings. This book will make you reflect on the importance of empathy and understanding.

The Role of International Community

Machete Season also explores the role of the international community during the genocide. It's a critical look at how the world reacted, or rather didn't react, to the crisis. This book will make you question the responsibilities of global powers in preventing such atrocities.

amazon
4.7
Get
walmart
4.0
Get

Quotes 2

Machete Season is a testament to the human capacity for understanding and forgiveness, even in the face of unimaginable atrocities.

Philip GourevitchPhilip Gourevitch - Journalist, Author

Jean Hatzfeld's Machete Season is a harrowing exploration of the darkest corners of the human soul.

Susan SontagSusan Sontag - Writer, Filmmaker
Philip GourevitchSusan Sontag

Recommendations

2
authorJocko Willink

Jocko Willink

media personalityauthor
authorSam Harris

Sam Harris

media personalityscientistauthor

Machete Season found in libraries

1
372 books

Best History Books

Learn about the history of your nation and the entire world with the Best History Books you can find.