My books of 2012

Two-thousand-and-twelve was a bumper year for quality non-fiction. Here is a selection of my top books from the last twelve months:

A compulsive combination of travel, history, ethnography and memoir  from the acclaimed Indian writer. An absolute gem.

A counter intuitive and engaging study of Asia's intellectual response to Western imperialism that contains many lessons for Africa.

A compelling exploration of the years immediately following World War II and preceding the Cold War that expose the depths of European postwar depravity.

The subtitle to this epic examination of  postwar Eastern Europe says it all. Scholarly and  engaging, Pulitzer Prize winner, Anne Applebaum delivers a timely history lesson.

I must admit, I haven't actually read Artemis Cooper's comprehensive biography of the late travel writer, however, having listened to extracts on Radio 4's Book of the Week, it's top of my list for 2013.

Christmas night theatre

Roverman’s production of Ebo Whyte’s play, Don’t Mess With A Woman was a fantastic end to a humid Kumasi, Ghana, Christmas Day.

Whyte’s tale of a modern-day woman scorned was brimming with narrative goodness. The two-hour performance was delivered by a stellar cast accompanied by a fine house band against a basic but appropriate backdrop. The culturally-relevant storyline, and punchy dialogue, blended humour and drama with a moral message, and was perfect for the youthful audience.

The production provided further proof that Ghana is full with theatrical talent, something, I hope, will be developed and recognised in the near future.

Currently doing a residency at the National Theatre, Accra, Roverman’s festival of five Ebo Whyte plays is a must-see for both theatre vets and neophytes alike.

Catch it while you can!