Preface

In the Preface, Dallaire explains why he wrote Shake Hands With The Devil. Although other books had already been written about modern Rwandan history and the Rwandan Genocide, Dallaire claims that “none of them seemed to get the story right” (xviii). Still, he refrained from writing a book since he was busy speaking on the subject and testifying against the perpetrators. He was also wrestling with his own mental health disorders resulting from his experiences and dealing with the fact he had become a “convenient scapegoat” in some eyes. Dallaire’s comrade in Rwanda, Major Brent Beardsley, eventually convinced Dallaire to write the book, arguing, “if I did not put my story on paper, our children and our grandchildren would never really know about our role in and our passage through the Rwandan catastrophe” (xix). Dallaire sees Shake Hands with The Devil as a chance to leave his own eyewitness testimony to the Rwandan Genocide: “What I do have to offer the survivors and Rwanda's future generations is my story as best as I can remember it” (xxi).

Preface Summary

Introduction

In the introduction, Dallaire recounts going on a mission to escort two hundred civilians to safety in territory held by the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF).

Introduction Summary and Analysis

Preface-Introduction

Preface-Introduction Analysis

History: World

African History

Literary Area of Study

Canadian Literature

Historic & Literary Period

Colonialism & Postcolonialism

Society

Globalization

Nonfiction

Inspiring Biographies

Book Events

Memorial Day Reads

Military Reads

Government & Business

Politics & Government

Social Issues

Sexual Harassment & Violence

Roméo Dallaire

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About Shake Hands with the Devil

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Shake Hands with the Devil Summary and Study Guide

Background

Shake Hands with the Devil Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Foreword

Shake Hands with the Devil Foreword Summary & Analysis

Shake Hands with the Devil Preface-Introduction Summary & Analysis

Chapters 1-3

Shake Hands with the Devil Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Shake Hands with the Devil Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

Shake Hands with the Devil Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-12

Shake Hands with the Devil Chapters 10-12 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 13-15

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Conclusion

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Key Figures

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Themes

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Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

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Shake Hands with the Devil Further Reading & Resources

Shake Hands with the Devil

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