Pinto's memoir reads simply but with passionate intensity, though sprinkled throughout with dispassionate facts, that grips the reader from start to finish." Ambassador Adao Pinto has written a heartfelt and revealing personal memoir that speaks to many issues of national conflict, self-pacification and development in his country, Angola; with the authority direct experience and eyewitness confers. He is clearly a potent combination ofAngolan nationalist and Pan-Africanist, arguably the twin pillars of modern Africa's political and economic strength and prosperity. Pinto's memoir reads simply but with passionate intensity, though sprinkled throughout with dispassionate facts, that grips the reader from start to finish. Writing this memoir of his in English instead of in Portuguese, Pinto breaks that postcolonial "sound barrier" between so-called Anglophone and Lusophone Africa, as also between the latter and Francophone Africa. And because English is, without question, the global lingua franca of our contemporary world; his memoir will reach a far wider audience in Africa as well as globally, than might otherwise have been the case. Unlike many longtime or career diplomats, who end their careers in international relations and diplomacy, jaded and cynical about international relations and politics, Adao Pinto has managed to retain an infectious hope and optimism, which is, to say the least, refreshing. Ihis is especially important for young Africans, who are likely to benefit the most from the wellspring of Pinto's rich personal experience and knowledge. Adao Pinto has provided us all with an important memoir that will enrich every personal and public library.