Colour Bar: The Triumph of Seretse Khama and His Nation

Published by Allen Lane, 2006, hardcover, illustrated, index, 408 pages, condition: new.

Sir Seretse Khama, the first President of Botswana and heir apparent to the kingship of the Bangwato people, brought independence and great prosperity to his nation after colonial rule. But for six long years from 1950, Seretse had been forced into exile in England, banned from his own country. His crime? To fall in love and marry a young, white English girl, Ruth Williams. Delving into newly released records, Susan Williams tells Seretse and Ruth's story - a shocking account of how the British Government conspired with apartheid South Africa to prevent the mixed-race royal couple returning home. But it is also an inspiring, triumphant tale of hope, courage and true love as with tenacity and great dignity Seretse and Ruth and the Bangwato people ovecome prejudice in their fight for justice.

I might have rated this book a three-star because I think the story could have been written better, but I erred on the high side because the story itself is incredibly compelling - and is one that should be read by anyone interested in Africa. In many ways, Sir Seretse Khama seems to be the Nelson Mandela of Botswana. At a minimum, I would hope that his story would be as well-known as that of Mandela. Both men are very inspirational - and both give one hope for the Continent.