62 pages • 2 hours read
Shake Hands with the Devil
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Book Brief
562
Book • Nonfiction
Rwanda • 1990s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Shake Hands with the Devil by Roméo Dallaire recounts the author's experiences as the force commander for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR), where he witnessed the breakdown of the peace process and the subsequent Rwandan Genocide. The book details the widespread atrocities, the lack of international support, and Dallaire's profound disillusionment with global political inaction. The material includes graphic descriptions of violence, sexual assault, and human remains.
Dark
Unnerving
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
14,239 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Roméo Dallaire's Shake Hands with the Devil presents a harrowing account of the Rwandan genocide, offering firsthand insights into the failures of international intervention. Reviews praise its raw honesty and powerful narrative but note its emotional intensity may overwhelm some readers. Dallaire's perspective is invaluable, though the graphic content requires a strong constitution.
Who Should Read Shake Hands with the Devil?
A reader who would appreciate Shake Hands with the Devil by Roméo Dallaire is likely interested in military history, humanitarian efforts, and global politics. Fans of We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families by Philip Gourevitch or The Bang-Bang Club by Greg Marinovich and João Silva would find this compelling.
14,239 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
562
Book • Nonfiction
Rwanda • 1990s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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