num_pages: 264
description: It is the stranger who comes with a sharper blade claims one Malawian adage. But stranger Asbjrn Eidhammer is not. He worked tirelessly with Malawians for more than eight years as Norwegian ambassador to Malawi during politically difficult times. Malawi  A Place Apart is a unique and welcome update of the story of the nation examined from the point of view of a highly observant outsider. His subtle exposure of the sometimes hidden economic mismanagement is particularly poignant when people are crying out for open societies everywhere.  Professor Jack Mapanje author of Of Chameleons and Gods Combining aspects of history cultural studies personal memoir and opinion this rarely published and hard hitting perspective from a former senior member of the donor community analyses the past current and future prospects of Malawi politics and economics. The book proves yet again the adage that sometimes the mlendo (visitor) has the sharper [analytical] knife with its examination of the issues of politics poverty and the relationship  or lack of it  between Malawi and its development partners. Throughout it all the authors love for the Warm heart of Africa shines through and all who love Malawi will be stimulated and enriched by this book.  Dr John Lwanda author of Kamuzu Banda of Malawi: A Study in Promise Power and Legacy. With an insightful and understanding gaze Asbjrn expresses the nuances of Malawi only a caring visitor can. Full of unmitigated hope and constructive critique the book concisely paints a tender portrait of a country. Perhaps in equal measure Malawi offers hope and despair  a sense of contradiction that she embodies so well. It is this sense that Asbjrn carefully and lovingly portrays in this book. Over 50 years since independence from British rule Malawi is debating the way forward. Discourses some structured others not abound. Asbjrns book is a necessary addition.  Muti Michael Phoya author of Malawi Lake of Stars Asbjrn Eidhammer is a Norwegian political scientist activist and diplomat. He served as the Norwegian Ambassador to Malawi from 1999 to 2004 and from 2011 to 2014. Between his missions to Malawi he was Director of Evaluation at the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation for five years. From 1981 to 1984 he was President of the Norwegian Council for Southern Africa Norways anti-apartheid movement. He has published books in Norwegian about politics and development in Africa and Malawi.
language: None
title: Malawi A Place Apart
publisher: Logos Open Culture