Machete Season: The Killers in Rwanda Speak

Machete Season: The Killers in Rwanda Speak by Jean Hatzfeld In April-May 1994, one of the most horrific genocides in modern history took place in Rwanda, resulting in the deaths of 800,000 Tutsis at the hands of their Hutu fellow citizens. This book tells the story of the perpetrators, nine men who were interviewed by foreign correspondent Jean Hatzfeld about their role in the killings. The men, all friends from the same region, had helped to kill 50,000 of their 59,000 Tutsi neighbors, and were now serving time in prison, some awaiting execution. The men's accounts of the genocide are extraordinary, providing a unique insight into the motivations and actions of those responsible. They describe the events leading up to the killings, their own experiences, and their reactions to the atrocities they committed. The book raises as many questions as it answers, and Hatzfeld's thoughtful analysis sheds light on the complexities of human nature and the banality of evil. Through the testimony of these men, Hatzfeld explores the connections between the Rwandan genocide and other instances of war crimes and genocide throughout history. This thought-provoking book is a powerful exploration of the human cost of violence and the importance of understanding the complexities of human behavior.