This book focuses on the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission established for about three years in South Africa under the chairmanship of Desmond Tutu. In many ways it is a memoir, many personal reminiscences stretching from childhood right through his long life and in particular majoring on the challenges of the work of the commission, its rationale, its limited successes and the lack of help given it by certain sections of the South African community post apartheid. The intention of the Commission was to provide opportunity for confession, forgiveness and reconciliation to work in the context of amnesty from criminal prosecution being granted to those who would admit to their deeds committed in the thirty-four years previously. This was a daring experiment, the faith communities were sympathetic to it, but many other people were not. Certain people availed themselves of the opportunity to unburden their hearts making confession to crimes committed against others. Members of the security forces, police, Afrikaners and black members of what were classed as terrorist organizations. There are some horrific stories included in the book and these reveal the rampant evil present in South Africa during that period taking certain forms on the various sides. The depth of depravity in people in high places and those oppressed is awful to contemplate. However this book offers great hope and an alternative way to the resolution of the deep rifts between societies. Obviously Desmond Tutu writes from a Christian perspective and knows that there really is no future without forgiveness, no future for South Africa, no future for the Balkans, no future for mankind. You must remember that this is the record of an amazing attempt by a nation led by Nelson Mandela, to find a way out of being forever entrapped by its dreadful past. Forgiveness liberates both the offender and the offended, offers the possibility of the forging of confidence between those who were formerly riddled with distrust and enmity. Those who know something of the current condition of South Africa will know that as a nation they were saved from a blood bath, by the presence of those willing to forgive but will also know that many continue without that forgiving attitude and so the divisions remain and the fruit produced is continuing tragedy. This is a powerfully challenging book for nations, but is of little value unless we allow it to challenge us personally. A heart of courage and faith are vital prerequisites to forgiveness of this order. The book is not a theological book, it is not meant to be, it is a record of the effort made by some members of a nation seeking to struggle out of the bondage of its past into something far better.
