Where We Have Hope - Softcover

'Andrew Meldrum has been a witness to the unfolding, over the last quarter of a century, of one of the most remarkable stories of modern times. He has observed at close quarters the laying waste, in peacetime, of Zimbabwe...Meldrum's perspective is unique in a number of ways, and this makes his memoir an invaluable record as well as a compelling read...One of the most attractive aspects of Meldrum's brisk but vivid account of the next 23 years is the way it reveals his personal engagement in the process. He was an objective reporter - over the most significant period of his stay, for The Guardian - but he also lived, laughed and suffered with ordinary Zimbabweans. Most importantly, he did not allow any preconceptions he brought with him to interfere with his openness to what was going on around him...the account of Meldrum's own arrest, trial and illegal expulsion makes compulsive reading, while his portrayal of the many heroic Zimbabweans who represent, let us hope, the future of the country once the Mugabe dictatorship is buried, is generous, moving and inspiring.' -- The Tablet 'Meldrum's work is the first to tell the story of the country's recent decades in an accessible and comprehensive way, bringing it right up to date... Meldrum's vivid and insightful reflections will enrich any reader's understanding of this sorry chapter of African history' -- Literary Review 'An important book ... to be so reminded of this dire chapter in African history is a sad but salutary and, in the end, strangely hopeful experience' -- Traveller Magazine 20040701 'Meldrum's writing is driven by his love for Zimbabwe and its people, and he still believes the country has a future -- but not with Mugabe.' -- Irish Times 20050402 'Marvellous, rich and rewarding ... [A] compelling book' -- The Times 20040717 'Meldrum's writing is driven by a passion for the country and its people ... essential reading.' -- Observer 20040627 'Meldrum's vivid and insightful reflections will enrich any reader's understanding of this sorry chapter of African history' -- Literary Review 20040701 'A story of disillusion, chaos, violence, extraordinary courage and some hope' -- Guardian 20040701 'He does not spare us from the brutality and wickedness that is gripping Zimbabwe, but by telling the stories of its people and allowing us to hear their voices, he shows that amidst the repression and cruelty of Mugabe's state, there is courage, dignity, and above all real hope' -- RAGEH OMAAR 20040701 'His memoir is written with admirable control and clarity, shedding light on the complexity ... yet his passion for his adopted country never fails to shine through.' Nicola Barr -- The Guardian 20050312 'So readable!His personable, matter-of-fact tone serves less to dismiss the extraordinary injustices the country and its people have suffered and more to highlight them by giving them context.' -- Observer 20050410

In May 2003 Guardian journalist Andrew Meldrum was seized by Robert Mugabe's thugs and deported, forced to leave for writing 'bad things' about Mugabe's regime. This was the shocking end to a grim journey. For twenty years, Meldrum had lived through Zimbabwe's transformation - from the African beacon of hope to violent despotism. This is his story. It is also a testament to the power of hope. Throughout Zimbabwe, doctors, teachers, journalists and lawyers have refused to accept Mugabe's rule. Meldrum depicts their courage and heroism in moments of intense drama and tension. Where We Have Hope is a moving account of a life lived in a world of extremes -- of ugly tyranny and of the extraordinary friendships and passionate beliefs that it inspires.