As the author of the book says, Africa Will Always Break Your Heart “is not a story about good table manners.” It is a brutal, harrowing and honest account of atrocities committed during the Apartheid era from the viewpoint of a high-ranking official who decided to expose these human rights violations at great personal cost. First time author Gerrie Hugo writes in his second language, and his prose is often choppy and his phrases sometimes stilted, but nevertheless his bracing honesty shows through. Hugo fully admits to his flaws and complicity in Apartheid proceedings, which makes his account at once both deeply courageous and vulnerable. His anecdotes are well chosen, often humourous, and useful in understanding his actions and behaviour.

Still, some parts of the book I could have done without, such as his very detailed descriptions of sexual acts. While I understand the author’s intention, I still could not help but detect a great deal of misogyny permeating these parts of the text. Structurally this book is uneven and could have had more background information with regards to military terms and organisation names, (which despite a glossary at the front) seem to come up out of the blue and make comprehension difficult for the average reader unfamiliar with South Africa politics and history.

A great first hand account by a first time author which would undoubtedly be invaluable to someone who wants fresh and keen insight into the tangled web of violence, political maneuvering, lies and deceit that make up the Apartheid system.

Gert Hugo's way of injecting humor and not holding back the baser sides of human nature turns what could have been a bitter tale into an entertaining and educating experience. It's a reckless romp through childhood (fire, explosions and even a derailed train!) interspersed with snippets of growing up with apartheid and enough sex and violence thrown in to fill a hollywood blockbuster. An insightful adventure that ends with a challenge for others to come forward and tell their story.

There is great humour and honesty in this book and will give you a true insight into the what it was like to grow up in a country where you are torn apart by your own convictions and what is deemed to be your duty to your country and kin.
I would recommend this book to anyone it gives a great insight into the world of of somebody I am proud to call a friend.

Having grown up through my teens during the 80's and early 90's I began taking an avid interest in the news, both on TV and the press. Throughout this time Apartheid was a regular feature in the said medias. Not fully understanding what was happening on the other side of the planet, I still knew it was bad and donated/supported all kinds of movements, free Mandela etc. It is with the interest to understand this 'policy' (Apartheid) a little more that I bought the book. The author will take you on a journey of his youth right upto his adulthood with a refreshing honesty that will make you laugh and cry. In fact, the honesty is such that I am suprised this chap hasn't been popped off by the 'people' he used to represent. You will have an inside look at how the armed forces operated in both ignorance and domination to the population of South Africa and of how the government and officials of the time 'took control' of the media. If your after a read that will open your eyes, make you laugh and cry and at the same time engross you then I would wholeheartedly recommend this book.

When first I opened this book, I was expecting to hate it. Being of African American decent, I was admittedly prejudiced against anything South African. Fortunately, for the book, and my own edification, I had a chance to meet the author. I t is because he wares his heart on his sleeve that I open my eyes, and give his journal a chance. It is because I gave him his voice, in my mind that I have had a change of heart. His story is unique, not just because our cultures are so very different. It is unique because he has been changed and he speaks of the process and the pains that process invokes in a plain, easily understood language that reached past my pre-conceived ignorance of what HIS world was like. I honestly wanted to hate this book… just as I have grown to hate what the South African Government was doing to the people of color inside of their country. I came away form reading this book changed. And that is a good thing. I have come to know the man, and I sincerely hope that he continues to share his unique perspective with the world through his writing… he sure has a way with words.

I have had the privilege to read this very good book and in my opinion it is very well presented giving us a close view into the mindset that was going on in the Apartheid during the years of the turmoil in South Africa. I was pleasantly surprised at the way and manner at which Gerrie Hugo presented a topic that most would find boring and dull. His quick wit and the laying out his and others roles into the regime was very well thought out and presented. Giving me the pleasure of viewing the subject from a first hand view. I would rate this book at a 9 out of a possible 10 and would highly recommend it