Discusses the Gorta Mor in 1840s Ireland, the famine in British-controlled Bengal in 1943, and the string of famines in Ethiopia in the late 20th century, and explores the concept that while famine can be caused by crop failures and weather conditions, famines are worsened by man-made choices such as politics and social and religious ideology The Booker Prize-winning author's "[I]important new book...As yet more glib headlines announce that East Africa is currently suffering a biblical failure of crops, rather than a failure of accountable government, this book could hardly be more urgent. "New York Times Book Review
