62 pages • 2 hours read
Shake Hands with the Devil
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
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
Kofi Annan
Kofi Annan
The under-secretary-general in charge of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations during UNAMIR, later becoming the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Colonel Théoneste Bagosora
Colonel Théoneste Bagosora
A military figure associated with the Rwandan Ministry of Defense, playing a significant role during the genocide and the interim government.
Augustin Bizimana
Augustin Bizimana
A member of the MRND party and Minister of Defense, representing the Rwandan government at the UN and seen as uncooperative with UNAMIR’s aims.
Jacques-Roger Booh-Booh
Jacques-Roger Booh-Booh
The appointed head of UNAMIR who clashed with Dallaire over mission strategies and decisions, later presenting his perspective in a book.
President Juvénal Habyarimana
President Juvénal Habyarimana
The dictator of Rwanda whose regime enacted anti-Tutsi policies, ultimately agreeing to the Arusha Peace Agreement before his assassination.
Jean-Pierre
Jean-Pierre
A Hutu informant working under an alias who provided UNAMIR with intelligence about the militia's plans, highlighting the mission's constraints.
Paul Kagame
Paul Kagame
The military leader of the RPF who played a pivotal role in the group's resistance against government forces before becoming President of Rwanda.
Agathe Uwilingiyimana (“Madame Agathe”)
Agathe Uwilingiyimana (“Madame Agathe”)
The Prime Minister of Rwanda and a supporter of peace agreements, known for her moderate political stance and targeted as violence began.
562
Book • Nonfiction
Rwanda • 1990s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.