In "Machete Season," Jean Hatzfeld offers a harrowing and profoundly insightful window into the minds of the perpetrators behind one of the most appalling genocides of the 20th century—the Rwandan genocide. Through a series of candid interviews with ten men who actively participated in the mass slaughter of their own neighbors, Hatzfeld navigates the dark corridors of human morality, exposing the chilling ease with which ordinary individuals can be transformed into agents of unimaginable cruelty. His narrative not only lays bare the mechanics of mass murder but also delves into the haunting aftermath of violence, where the perpetrators must live side by side with the survivors of their atrocities. This book is an essential journey into the heart of darkness that defines the extremities of human conduct. Hatzfeld's meticulous collection of testimonies does not seek to excuse or condemn, but rather to understand the complexities of human nature when confronted with the breakdown of societal norms. "Machete Season" is a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving memory, fostering dialogue, and challenging our perceptions of evil and redemption. It is a stark reminder that the capacity for brutality resides not in the other, but in us all, compelling us to confront the most uncomfortable questions about ourselves and our capacity for violence.