Practically everyone Penfold met in that war-torn land had experienced some form of tragedy, so he did whatever he could, whenever he could, to help, sometimes flying in from British warships to engage in relief work relative to food, housing and public health, and demonstrate practical concern for those who suffered disabling injuries during the conflict, with a view to restoring their dignity and sense of purpose in life (see pp. 123; 129-130 and 136). It is here that the author shines.

Reviewed by Stephanie A. Jefford

Penfold has written a book on his Sierra Leone experience...that is both remarkable and compulsively readable. Remarkable, because it is rare for British diplomats to write memoirs in which they unburden themselves of their feelings, passions and resentments...It is also extremely readable in part because Penfold, as a diplomat who left with a largely unjustified cloud over his name, manages quite a few indiscretions...He also manages to write in an informal chatty way, which makes the chapter where he recounts the seriously appalling atrocities that hit Freetown in 1999, after the renewed attacks from the RUF, all the more shocking.

Kaye Whiteman

Peter Penfold's very welcome book gives unrivalled insight into the struggle to restore democratic government in Sierra Leone against a background of civil chaos. It is an insider's narrative, and while first person accounts of the fly-on-the-wall variety exist, describing a country's critical hours, few have been written by an insider who played such a key role in supporting democracy.

In this outstanding chronicle of a country plunged into chaos and re-emerging stronger, its author writes with no bitterness and no strident self-justification of his own actions but rather in, what this reviewer at least sees as, the best tradition of the British Civil Service: with frankness, a light humour, self-deprecation and a readiness to give others due credit.

New Africa Analysis

The appalling civil war in Sierra Leone took place between 1992 and 2002. Between 1992 and Penfold's arrival in early 1997, 15,000 people had already been killed and much of the countryside devastated. Peter Penfold writes this honest overview of his three year post in the country as British High Commissioner, including the events that elevated the country's internal plight to the world headlines. This recent and most detailed publication provides a valuable and informative read about the colourful recent history of one of the poorest countries in the world, and which still experiences the after-effects of the war.

Insight

This book by the former High commissioner to Sierra Leone is a must read for anyone interested in African affairs. The title highlights his close relationship with the president and his passion for a state that ultimately cost him his job. This is a well informed and well written memoir.

Soldier Magazine - Nov 12

This superbly well-written, well-documented and passionate book should be read by everyone interested in Africa, as well as in the grave issues of war and peace.

Global Times Online