62 pages 2 hours read

Roméo Dallaire

Shake Hands with the Devil

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2003

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

History: African

Politics / Government

Military / War

Themes

Society: Politics & Government

Society: Globalization

Society: War

Genre

Biography