Product Description

'Wangari Maathai is a prophet for our time and "Unbowed" is a call to arms for all of us who feel that the planet is overwhelmed by careless, corrupt or violent leadership. I have long suspected that the voice to lead us forward would come out of Africa, and it has - a voice of humor, sense, strength and compassion. Read this book and pass it on' - Alexandra Fuller. In "Unbowed", we are in the presence of a hugely charismatic yet humble woman whose remarkable story carries with it an inspiring message of hope.Hers is an extraordinary story, spanning different worlds and changing times, and revealing what the courage, determination, tenacity and humour of one good woman can achieve; how as small a thing as planting a seedling and watering it can make all the difference in the world. 'Inspirational...The more difficulties Maathai faced, the more determined she became...Her book wonderfully demonstrates that you don't need to be in a position of power to start doing something about your environment' - "The Sunday Times". 'Maathai's book is frank and moving...Like a Nelson Mandela or a Mahatma Gandhi, Maathai stands way above most mortals' - "Guardian".

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #22498 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Bill Clinton
'Wangari Maathai's Memoir is direct. Honest, and beautifully written - a gripping account of modern Africa's trials and triumphs, a universal story of courage, persistence, and success against great odds in a noble cause.'

The Sunday Times
`As this inspiring memoir shows Maathai's work is about a lot more than getting women to plant trees ... The more difficulties Maathai faced, the more determined she became ... Her book wonderfully demonstrates that you don't need to be in a position of power to start doing something about your environment.'

The Guardian
`Maathai's book is frank and moving ... like a Nelson Mandela or a Mahatma Gandhi, Maathai stands way above most mortals.'

Customer Reviews

An inspiring story
Wangari Maathai was born in 1940 in rural Kenya and went on to become the first woman from Eastern and Central Africa to gain a PhD in 1971. Over 30 years later, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her "contribution to sustainable development, human rights and peace".

In her own words, Maathai tells the story of her journey from rural Kenya, through the ivory tower and on to the murky waters of Kenyan politics during the oppresive regime of Daniel Arap Moi. There are detailed accounts of how her conservation group (the Green Belt Movement) was born and rose to prominence, and the many times she had to face brutal government repression as she stood up for the environment and human rights. In her life and her musings, the delicate links connecting the environment, poverty and human dignity are shown clearly to the reader. This is also a very human story. Maathai recounts many details of her personal struggles- discrimination at work, the bitterness of a public divorce, losing her job because of power politics, struggling with a bare existence, the fight to give her children a good life, regardless.

All these elements combine to make this book an inspiring story, reminding one of what one is capable of if persistence is added to a sincere commitment to professed values.

Splendid
This is a wonderful book, telling the life story of a remarkable and courageous lady. Prof Maathai's account is at once wry, compassionate, impassioned and reasonable. Her wisdom gleaned from her experiences growing up in rural Kenya, coupled with her formidable intelligence and academic credentials make her a lady to be reckoned with; her assessment of the plight of her own country is piercing, yet brimming with hope. Her inspirational work with the Green Belt Movement emphasises the enormous potential for good that can be harnessed from communities working together and recognising their dependency on each other and the physical world around them. Her comments on her political struggles and sufferings show her resolve and good grace. An inspirational book - read it!

very engaging, well written and interesting
A life that has been lived with dignity and passion. This woman is an example to follow by other generations. The book has been written in a very clear and simple way. The author has transmitted her passion for nature. I recommend this book