The Secret Life of Kim Dotcom

The Secret Life of Kim Dotcom

David Fisher

Paul Little Books Auckland, 2013

ISBN 9780-473-259-433

224 pp RRP $30

With the subtitle Spies, Lies and the War for the Internet you would expect intriguing revelations and David Fisher doesn’t disappoint. We are all mixed-up human beings, but none more so than Kim Dotcom. Here the many sides of this complex character are presented, with fascinating details of his fortunes and misfortunes.

Fisher is a senior reporter for the Auckland Herald, New Zealand, and he makes it clear that this is not an authorised biography. It is, however, based on many personal interviews with the subject, as well as extensive research.

The saga uncovers Kim’s early life (born Kim Schmitz) as a lonely child in Germany, his early forays into the internet, his extraordinary knowledge, his close friends and associates – all brilliant computer whizzes – the story of why he came to New Zealand and the police raids on his home on January 20 2012. It follows the subsequent court cases and fall out with politicians and people in high places.

Fisher has been accused of giving undue reverence to a criminal. Dotcom is a flawed character and he is shown here in many guises, both good and bad. I think Fisher has done a great job of trying to present the story as he sees it, and he has tried to depict all sides of the story.

It is a tale of much more than the life of one man. We have politicians, the New Zealand Government, the American FBI and more. It shows cracks in the systems, why the FBI were involved in the raids, and much, much more.

Our opinions are often shaped by the media and the outcome is a very shallow view of events. This book is trying to give a rounded story to fill in the gaps. If you are interested in knowing more about the workings of Governments and men in high places, reading this book might give you more than you bargained for.

Two Wings of a Nightingale

Two Wings of a Nightingale

by Jill Worrall

Exisle Publishing Limited 2011

ISBN 978-1-921497-84-1

264 pp RRP $35

What is your perception of Iran? I bet it doesn’t tie in with the view of experienced New Zealand travel writer, Jill Worrall, as presented here.

Worrall has a deep love for the middle-eastern countries of which we know so little. In Two Wings of a Nightingale, she and expert local guide, Reza Mirkhalaf, set out across Iran to follow the ancient route of the Silk Road, staying where possible in the old caravanserais which were used by the original travelers.

Reza’s knowledge of Iran’s history, culture and religion gives color and depth to the story. The places they visit and people they meet along the away are brought to life. Reza B. their driver provides insight with his perceptive comments.

Jill’s lively writing informs and entertains. We learn of the people and culture of Iran, without political overtones. We share tales of customs and frustrations, find joy and delight in ordinary every day events.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and it opened my eyes to daily life in this fascinating country.

Steppe by Step by Hugh Kemp

Steppe By Step

Hugh Kemp (OMF Publishing)

Monarch Books 2000

ISBN 1 85424 484 1

543 pp

For those who think missionary work in Mongolia has happened only recently, this book by Hugh Kemp will delight and enlighten.

Kemp has a strong background in missions, having grown up in India and worked in Mongolia in church planting and Theological Education by Extension. He and his family went to Mongolia in 1992 with Interserve, and have done several repeat visits.

A skilled researcher, Kemp would like us to know the true history of God’s work in Mongolia. He takes us on a sweeping ride through the centuries, through wars and conquests, boundary realignments and major social changes. He highlights the role of many of the Christian wives and concubines of Mongolia’s rulers who exerted subtle influence on the policies of their times. In an easy to read narrative, Kemp tells us of mission work done by the Moravians, London Missionary Society, Catholic Mission, and various evangelism efforts in the twentieth century.

The work of western missionaries in more recent years has often been hard going. Seldom did they have good news stories of conversions to send back home, and at times they feared their intercessors would weary of praying. But step by step and with persistence and prayer, the forces of darkness are being replaced with the light of the Gospel. Today in the capital city, Ulaanbataar, Christian churches have been planted strategically throughout the city.

The information is easy to follow, being well served by liberal quotes from various sources with end notes and a comprehensive Bibliography. In his forward Tony Lambert writes: ‘Hugh Kemp has unearthed many significant facts which are not easily obtained elsewhere. First-class research is presented in an enjoyable form.’

Hugh Kemp was urged by Mongolian Christians to write their story. Anyone interested in knowing what God is doing in the world today will enjoy this fascinating account of Mongolian Christians from ancient roots to vibrant young church.