Review by Booklist Review
The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission is the most prominent of inquiry groups that have been charged with finding the intersection of truth and justice in the aftermath of some atrocity, but it is by no means the only one nor is it likely to be the last. But given the prominence and the consciousness of post-apartheid South Africa, its truth commission provides the model against which others are measured. Rotberg and Thompson have compiled a collection of essays that primarily examine the South African experience but also look at conditions in Sri Lanka, Haiti, Guatemala, and El Salvador that seem ripe for such commissions. Contributors explore the history, causes, conflicts, and contradictions of truth commissions, and critique the potential and limitations of the process. It is a process wrought with conflict between truth and justice, reconciliation and retribution. The diverse group of contributors brings exceptionally wide exposure and depth to the subject. Their handling of the political compromises that underlay the foundation of most truth commissions is helpful. This is an important book for those interested in contemporary efforts to deal with modern atrocities. Vernon Ford
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
