Korieh a well-known historian of Biafra and colonial Nigeria, offers a collection of 18 chapters on the history and memory of the war over the Republic of Biafra's secession from Nigeria (1967–70). Sections on war events, including internal tensions, the experience of ordinary Biafrans in wartime (especially children), and the long legacy of the war mix history, memoir, and polemic, producing a book that will interest both historians and casual readers with a stake in Biafra's past and present. Social history is emphasized throughout, with occasional forays into diplomatic history, humanitarianism, and the operational history of the conflict. A section on artistic and literary representations of the war by Biafrans offers particular insight, bringing several little-known artists to the attention of the wider world. Representing many voices and methodological approaches, this collection enriches readers' understanding of this crucial episode in 20th-century African history. Highly recommended. General readers through faculty.

Choice Reviews

While works abound on the Nigerian-Biafra war, this one is unique because of the deep narratives of causation, trauma, memory, betrayal, denials, truth, and the continuing impact. Anyone interested in the true story of the war, the persistent agony, and the neo-Biafra agitations must read this book.

Raphael Chijioke Njoku, Idaho State University