Kovu Moyoni ("Scar in the Heart") is a fast moving story set in a fictional village of Siloko in a post-independent nation called Tandika. It is the story of one widow"s struggle against an oppressive regime represented by a local militia group, "Jeshi la Vijana" or the ""Youth Army", who attack and plunder her village of Siloko under the pretext of cleansing non-natives. The government to which Boke looks to protect her and her property fails in its primary responsibility and instead protects the criminally powerful cartel of land-grabbers and war-lords. This story is heart-breaking if shocking. But the author keeps tight reign on the narrative act: beautifully rendered the prose flows effortlessly painting the horrors and pathos of a community under siege. In this novel, Professor John Habwe displays a maturity that offers insight and depth into the psychology of violence and post-colonial oppression. It is a story that will disturb and prick your conscience. If this story is a...