American Warlord, Johnny Dwyer
American Warlord, Johnny Dwyer
1 Rating(s)
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
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American Warlord
A True Story

Author: Johnny Dwyer

Narrator: Peter J. Fernandez

Unabridged: 13 hr 29 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 04/07/2015


Synopsis

A gripping work of reportage that, for the first time, tells the story of "Chucky" Taylor, a young American who lost his soul in Liberia, the country where his African father was a ruthless warlord and dictator. Chucky Taylor was in many ways an average American kid: growing up in Florida he had friends, a high school sweetheart, and some brushes with the law. But then, in 1992, at age fifteen, he traveled to Liberia to meet his estranged father, Charles Taylor--the warlord and future president of Liberia. Adrift in a strange, underdeveloped country, Chucky became the commander of the infamous Anti-Terrorist Unit, aka "Demon Forces." Suddenly powerful amidst the lawlessness of his father's rule, any semblance of morality vanished: the savagery and pointlessness of his crimes shocked even his brutal father. Fleeing Liberia as his father's government fell, Chucky was caught sneaking into the United States and became the first American convicted of the war crime of torture. Now, Johnny Dwyer's deeply researched book tells not just the riveting story of Chucky Taylor and his family, but also of Liberia, a nation which only recently has found reason to hope for the future.

Reviews

Interesting subject, monotonous writing It seemed at times that the author couldn't decide if he was writing a biography or a history textbook. Although the subject was catchy for this reader, the continuous introduction of names and facts became monotonous after awhile and detracted from the actual......more

Goodreads review by Charles

Horrifying tale of how Charles Taylor's American son got caught up in his father's folly in Liberia. Makes me want to read more about this place.......more

Goodreads review by Bob

This is an important work of reporting, on an important moment in war-crimes law: the torture and war-crimes charges resulting from the recent conflict in Liberia. The book sketches the history of that unhappy place, and its unique ties to the US, from the 19th Century on. Thus it brings the reader......more

Goodreads review by Stephen

Good book, I got in the dollar store of all places. Story of Chucky Taylor, Charles Taylor of Liberia's son.......more

Having worked with and taught Liberian refugees when I first moved to Philly 12 years ago, I initially found their history and culture a total enigma. I would learn of the absolute brutality of their civil war in bits and pieces over the years through documentaries, but nothing else I have read has......more