On 27th May 1977, a small demonstration against the MPLA, the ruling party of Angola - led to the slaughter of thousands, if not tens of thousands, of people. These dreadful reprisals are little talked of in Angola today - and virtually unknown outside the country. In this book, journalist Lara Pawson tracks down the story of what really happened in the aftermath of that fateful day. In a series of vivid encounters, she talks to eyewitnesses, victims and even perpetrators of the violent and confusing events of the 27th May and the following weeks and months. From London to Lisbon to Luanda, she meets those who continue to live in the shadow of the appalling events of 40 years ago and who - in most cases - have been too afraid to speak about them before. As well as shedding light on the events of 1977, this book contributes to a deeper understanding of modern Angola - its people and its politics; past, present and future.

Introduction                                                                                                                            PART I1          Meeting Maria                                                                                                            2          In the shadow of DISA                                                                                               3          The saboteurs, the parasites, the opportunists                                                            4          When normal things don't go normally                                                                       5          Fascism was finished. Socialism had begun                                                    6          Just like the movies                                                                                                    7          The brother                                                                                                                 8          Sounds of microfiche                                                                                      9          Never meet your heroes                                                                                              10        Sent to Cuba                                                                                                               11        Closing in on the kill                                                                                                   PART II12        So many dragonflies                                                                                                    13        Saved by a poet                                                                                                           14        To Sambizanga                                                                                                            15        The little red book                                                                                                                   16        Kilometre 14                                                                                                               17        Cold War paradox                                                                                                       18        Appearances                                                                                                                19        A death camp                                                                                                  20        Metamorphoses of the enemy                                                                                    21        On the beach                                                                                                               22        How our heads are formed                                                                                          PART III23        Loose ends                                                                                                                  24        A Cuban connection                                                                                                   Epilogue                                                                                                                                  Notes                                                                                                                                       Bibliography