Review of The Crossroad of War and War

[Sean Patrick Tracy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Crossroad of War and War" by Bokang Murdock Montjane.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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“The Crossroad of War and War" by Bokang Murdock Montjane is a novel set in an African country torn by conflict. The narrative explores themes of war's futility, the complexity of human nature, and the impact of violence on individuals and families.

Cisco Mufasa, a devoted husband and father, faces a life-altering crisis when he loses his job and is forced to join the army to support his family. The brutal realities of war transform Cisco into a hardened, emotionless man, driving a wedge between him and his family.

Amidst this turmoil, their son, Gamaliel, grows up harboring intense hatred for his father, vowing to kill him one day. Gamaliel’s internal struggle is mirrored in the lives of his three friends: Jimmy, destined to follow his criminal brother's path; Moses, who dreams of political peace but faces heartbreaking loss; and Shona, who aspires to be a lawyer. Their lives take a dramatic turn when Jimmy's brother is released from prison, only to be killed at a party raided by rebel soldiers. The violence Gamaliel witnesses shifts his understanding of his father's plight, just as Moses' father's death at the hands of Cisco drives Moses into the arms of the rebels, transforming him into a vengeful warrior named Pharaoh.

As the war escalates, Gamaliel finds himself at odds with his once-innocent friends, each irrevocably changed by the violence around them. In a climactic confrontation, Moses, now a ruthless rebel, kills Cisco and threatens Gamaliel’s family, forcing Gamaliel to confront the stark realities of their existence.

Gamaliel and Moses face each other, pondering the cruel irony of their journey from childhood dreams to the harsh truths of a world driven by human greed and futility. As they stand on the brink of further violence, the fate of their friendship—and their lives—hangs in the balance.

One of the most compelling elements of "The Crossroads of War and War" is its profound exploration of the transformation of individuals in the face of war and violence. The character arc of Cisco Mufasa is particularly striking. Initially depicted as a loving husband and father, Cisco's descent into a brutal, emotionless soldier highlights the devastating impact of war on the human psyche. This transformation is poignantly illustrated in events such as Cisco's violent outbursts towards his wife and his eventual disconnection from his family. The narrative doesn't shy away from showing the raw and often harsh realities of how war changes people, not just physically but emotionally and mentally.

Another aspect I appreciate is the novel's examination of the cyclical nature of violence and its intergenerational impact. Gamaliel's intense hatred towards his father, spurred by witnessing his mother's suffering and Cisco's transformation, is a powerful depiction of how violence begets more violence. This cycle is further emphasized through the character of Moses, who transitions from a peace-seeking individual to a vengeful rebel after his father's death at the hands of Cisco. The book uses these character transformations to underscore the theme of futility in human conflict, suggesting that without understanding and breaking the cycle, peace remains unattainable.

I'll rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, as I found nothing to dislike in it. Also, it has been expertly edited, evident in its lack of grammar errors. "The Crossroads of War and War" is most suitable for readers who enjoy thought-provoking, character-driven narratives that delve into complex themes such as war, violence, and human nature. The novel's mature themes, including domestic violence, war, and moral ambiguity, make it more appropriate for an adult audience.

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The Crossroad of War and War
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[Aneela Khan 5]

The Crossroad of War and War is a historical war novel by Bokang Murdock Montjane that is intriguing because he explores the complexities and awful truths about war. From the first sentence until the end, Montjane’s story is graphic and emotive.

The plot is set during a turbulent period in history when people find themselves at crossroads with respect to wars. The author seamlessly brings together diverse narratives that exemplify various faces of war on humanity. Intricately structured, every twist and turn comes as a surprise to readers who are always curious about their next move.

Montjane creates well-rounded characters, who go through personal struggles as they also strive to achieve their aspirations. These key figures are identifiable and their stories have deep meaning; hence they allow an individual perspective on warfare themes more generally considered. The author does not forget highlighting the inner conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by these characters which make their experiences moving and philosophical .

This book has a beautiful way of writing that sounds elegant while it speaks with power.Montjane’s scenes truly come alive due to his ability to described them in words so that readers would picture

[williams Emerald]

“The Crossroads of War and War” by Bokang Murdock Montjane appears to offer a profound exploration of war’s impact on individuals and families, delving into themes of human nature and the cycle of violence. Its character-driven narrative promises to be both thought-provoking and emotionally powerful, making it a compelling read for those interested in deep, mature themes.

[Julius Peters]

"The Crossroad of War and War" by Bokang Murdock Montjane seems to be a powerful and intense novel that deeply examines the human cost of conflict. It vividly portrays the psychological transformation of individuals like Cisco and the cyclical nature of violence through characters such as Gamaliel and Moses, offering a stark, thought-provoking commentary on the futility of war. This book promises a profound and gripping narrative, making it a compelling read for those interested in the complex interplay of human nature and violence.

[Obido Samuel Chiemerie]

Gamaliel’s journey from harboring hatred towards his father to understanding his plight is a powerful narrative arc. The novel’s exploration of intergenerational trauma and the cyclical nature of violence is both poignant and timely, shedding light on the long-term effects of conflict on families and communities.

[Charlse Ochoa]

"The Crossroads of War and War" by Bokang Murdock Montjane promises to be a deeply impactful and thought-provoking novel. The exploration of war's futility, the transformation of individuals in the face of violence, and the cyclical nature of conflict are compelling themes that resonate on many levels. Cisco Mufasa's descent from a loving family man to a hardened soldier illustrates the profound emotional and psychological toll of war.

[Sandre Lamar]

The Crossroad of War and War is a book filled with rollercoaster of emotions; this book is a true gem.

[Emmanuel olowolayemo]

*“The Crossroad of War and War”* by Bokang Murdock Montjane is a novel set in a war-torn African country, exploring the devastating impact of conflict on individuals and families. The story follows Cisco Mufasa, who joins the army to support his family, only to become a hardened soldier, estranged from his son Gamaliel, who grows to hate him. Gamaliel's hatred is mirrored by his friends' struggles, particularly Moses, who transforms into a vengeful rebel after his father is killed by Cisco. The novel delves into the cyclical nature of violence and the tragic transformation of individuals due to war, offering a profound commentary on the futility of human conflict. The user rates the book 5 out of 5 stars for its compelling, thought-provoking narrative.