When a Crocodile Eats the Sun
by Peter Godwin
Published by Little, Brown and Company
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Reviewed by Katherine M. Miller
When a Crocodile Eats the Sun is a memoir written by Peter Godwin, an award-winning author, journalist and filmmaker who was born and raised in Zimbabwe. Godwin has studied at both Cambridge and Oxford University, and has written for many publications including National Geographic, the New York Times Magazine and Newsweek.
Godwin's story begins in Zululand during July 1996. While he is interviewing Prince Galenja Biyela for a National Geographic assignment, Godwin learns that his father has had a heart attack. Quickly, he heads to Zimbabwe--stopping only to retrieve medicine that may help his father's worsening medical condition--and begins the first of several trips to his homeland.
In these trips, which last until 2004, Godwin learns more about himself and his family as he witnesses Zimbabwe's dramatic collapse. Through his eyes, readers will see the beautiful country of Godwin's memories become ravaged by disease and deep-seated violence. And, as a result, they will share the pain he feels as his parents, neighbors and friends either refuse to leave or fail to escape.
In fact, Godwin tries to persuade his parents and family to leave, and although his sister, Georgina, makes plans to flee, his parents refuse. It isn't until he discovers a shocking family secret that Godwin understands his parents' refusal to leave their crumbling African home.
When a Crocodile Eats the Sun is a moving family story, and it certainly portrays the human spirit's strength and the enduring power of love. But it does so in the most heartbreaking way possible: by describing one country's struggle for survival and one family's fight to stay together.
Armchair Interviews says: Well-written story that brings this country's plight to light.