Thomas Sankara: An African Revolutionary (Ohio Short Histories of Africa)

Books like these are a treasure for Africans to read through and gain a wealth of knowledge from their own stories. Thomas Sankara was a true Pan African hero not only with his words but with his deeds, too. Building schools ,clinics, drilling boreholes,planting thousands of trees, and digging wells for water, especially for the poor in villages of Burkina-Faso. He changed the economy and trade of the country and pursued a modest lifestyle set apart from corruption. He modelled a life of transparency and above reproach when it wasn't popular to do so. When you serve society, you are simply unforgettable

It is exactly what it says it is, a short history. Feel like there aren't enough quick overview biographies of important leaders out there. That being said this piece is very heavy on the back end with what exactly his policies were once he took power (spoilers I know) but I enjoyed that as well, book gave a very detailed (but not excessive) analysis of why Sankara chose to implement the policies he did. Will probably read the one on Lumumba as well. Read this for an episode of my podcast (Hard Fried History).

Great book! The author tries to give a balanced report about Sankara. I would have liked to have seen more interviews from those who opposed him in the end in order to get a better understanding of their perspective. Very good account of his accomplishments shame it did not work. Would have also liked to see specifics on French involvement in his toppling since some of those documents would have been de-classified by now.

This is a great account of the Sankara revolution. The amount of progress such a poor country made in the few years is remarkable. A great leader of the people. However, he didn’t keep tabs on what he calls the “petty bourgeois” within his leadership. Which ends up being his downfall. A must read for any study in socialism/communism or aspiring revolutionary.

Thomas Sankara was in the news this past week as his accused assassins were put on trial 34 after his death in Burkina Faso. This concise biography provides a good overview of his life, political intentions and achievements. It leaves one wondering what Burkina Faso would be today if he had ruled for longer. Recommend as an introduction to the life of this interesting man.

I give this a 5-star rating both for readability and for subject matter. We often hear about the African dictators who spend $5 million in foreign "development" money on a wedding but the aid dollars kept flowing in anyway. We rarely hear about one who took a harder path. Thomas Sankara, elected president of Burkina Faso in 1983, shunned the trappings of office. He refused aid money that came with strings which put donor interests first, mobilized a vaccination campaign at an unprecedented rate, and promoted women to higher office at a level only now matched in wealthier countries. Doing all that, of course, created enemies among those who were doing quite well under the old system, and he was assassinated after only four years in office. Ernest Harsch's short biography is the best English-language account of his eventful life and times.

A brief look into the life,Presidency,and lasting image of Sankara. It is very unbiased and shows the life of a man dedicated to his people who was cut down far too soon. He may have only been President for 4 years but his ideals and name endure.

Good introduction to Thomas Sankara life and ambition.

Sehr gut

Well written

It's a shame more people have not heard of Thomas Sankara, but this is a fine introduction to anyone who has and would like to know more about the former Burkinabe president. He tried to do the best for his country by supporting women's rights, building grain stores, pipes for water transportation and schools and fighting corruption, but unfortunately his legacy is nearly lost as Burkina Faso now has the lowest literacy rate in Africa. But his presidency was a model for how countries in Africa should be run for the benefit of all. He lived as he wanted others to live.

I strongly like the narrative since it clearly objective and factual. Such a great way to pay honour to the greatest Pan-African the continent ever known

A very well written introduction to the life, thoughts, presidency and death of Thomas Sankara. Hopefully this short book will help spread the word and thoughts of a true African leader (despite a few flaws) throughout the English speaking world. If Professor Harsch is reading this review...any possibility of a more extensive work on Sankara, his co-revolutionaries and Burkina Faso?