'A new internal war in South Sudan, now in its fifth month, has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. - These unfolding events are deftly forecast by James Copnall in his new book A Poisonous Thorn in Our Hearts. - Copnall gives a clear-headed and compassionate account of events leading up to and after the creation ... Read moreof South Sudan a year earlier, and what it means for what remains of Sudan. - Measured and understated.' - The Economist 'A clear, lucid and comprehensive book [that] fills an important gap by explaining these two countries. - Copnall is measured, perceptive and notably fair-minded.' - The Telegraph 'Copnall's thoughtful approach [...] offers a compelling picture of the complex ways in which people's interests and aspirations are interwoven, and sometimes conflict, across the Sudans ... An excellent book.' - Times Literary Supplement 'A first-hand account [that] offers an even-handed, insightful perspective on the creation of South Sudan and a bleak assessment of its future.'

Financial Times 'This book gives you all you need to understand why South Sudan imploded in violence so soon after independence: unresolved trauma from decades of war; complacency and impunity within the bloated southern army; and, not least, the treachery and mutually exclusive ambitions of Juba's leading politicians. Copnall exposes the lazy shortcuts of 24-hour news by tramping the ground where history was made, quizzing leading players and ordinary citizens in both Sudan and South Sudan, to explore the real cost of secession and ask: what price freedom?"
Fergus Nicoll, journalist and author of The Mahdi of Sudan"This excellent book unravels with skill and precision the messy web currently entangling the Sudans. Immensely readable, patiently researched, balanced and people-centered it succeeds on every level."
Leila Aboulela, Sudanese novelist and winner of the Scottish Book Awards 'A Poisonous Thorn in Our Hearts merges fact with humanity, giving a face and a voice to the often harsh realities of this region. In doing so, this book provides a comprehensive introduction to this challenging and evolving context.' - International Affairs Show Less