Africa United

May 15, 2010
The title says it allAfricans have a passion for soccer and the game unites nations divided by war, politics, and religion like no other game in the world. Bloomfield (former Africa correspondent, "Independent") traveled across 13 African nations, meeting soccer players, supporters, and political leaders who turn to the game for local and national solidarity. Chapters can be both depressing and upliftingsee the section on Somalia, for example, and his discussion of how in the Ivory Coast soccer was the balm needed to end continuous conflict. At times in peril during his travels, the author relates what soccer means in nations where poverty and danger go hand-in-hand. The result is a highly charged read at least as much about politics as soccer. Highly recommended.

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