Jeremy Harding

Written at the tail end of the twentieth century, "Small Wars, Small Mercies" covers some of the civil wars that plagued Africa in the latter years of the tumultuous century.

The roll call of countries featured is impressive; we get Eritrea, Western Sahara, the Congo and South Africa, and their respective fights for independence. As a friend of Western Sahara, it's a poignant moment in the "Small Wars, Small Mercies" when it's highlighted that while African liberation organisations packed up show more their London office following their victory, the Polisaro Front's (the political representative of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara) office remains.

A good, informative book, even taking into the account it's a quarter of a century out of date. show less

Adopted as a child in the 1950s, 50 years on the author recounts his voyage of discovery as he tries to find his natural mother, and also finds out more about his adoptive parents and the class divide along the way. Like one of the BBC's genealogy programmes without the celebrity which makes it a bit dull and disjointed in places.