Books matching: life in africa
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Save:West with the Night by Beryl Markham is a memoir that recounts the remarkable life of the author, who grew up in British East Africa and went on to become an aviator, racehorse trainer, and all-around adventurous woman. The book delves into her experiences flying solo across the Atlantic, her encounters with African wildlife, and her captivating storytelling style that paints vivid pictures of Africa and the era in which she lived.
The narrative in West with the Night seamlessly weaves together Markham's adventures as a bush pilot, her relationships with the local communities, and her daring escapades in the wild African landscape. The writing is described as lush, poetic, and evocative, capturing the essence of life in colonial Africa with vivid detail and eloquence that leaves readers spellbound and transported to a bygone era.
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE to bring order out of memory? I should like to begin at the beginning, patiently, like a weaver at his loom. I should like to say, ‘This is the place to start; there can be no other... - #2
Save:'Anna Hibiscus' by Atinuke is a heartwarming tale about a spunky little girl living with her large family in Africa. The stories within the book capture the adventures, lessons, and daily life of Anna Hibiscus as she navigates through various experiences like selling oranges, dreaming of snow in Canada, and cherishing family relationships. The writing style is described as beautifully written, charming, and engaging, painting a vivid picture of life in Africa through Anna's eyes.
'Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood' by Alexandra Fuller is a memoir that vividly recounts the author's unconventional upbringing in Africa during the tumultuous period of civil wars and political turmoil. Fuller paints a raw and honest picture of her family life, filled with alcoholism, poverty, racism, and the struggles of white settlers in a changing continent. The narrative delves into the complexities of colonial Africa, capturing both the beauty and brutality of the landscape, while exploring the dynamics of her eccentric family and their resilience in the face of adversity.
Through a series of anecdotes and reflections, Fuller weaves together a compelling story of growing up in Rhodesia, Malawi, and Zambia, offering a glimpse into a world marked by war, cultural clashes, and personal hardships. Her writing style is engaging, blending humor with poignant observations, and providing a nuanced portrayal of her experiences as a white African child navigating a challenging and often chaotic environment.
So if I wake in the night and need Mum and Dad, I call Vanessa, because she isn’t armed. “Van! Van, hey!” I hiss across the room until she wakes up. And then Van has to light a candle and escort me to...'Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide' by Peter Allison is a collection of amusing anecdotes from the author's time as a safari guide in Africa, particularly in Botswana. Allison shares stories of his encounters with African wildlife, tourists, and fellow guides, all narrated with a lighthearted tone and self-deprecating humor. provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a safari guide, showcasing both the humorous and challenging aspects of the job.
Allison's writing style is described as humorous, descriptive, and engaging, making the book a quick and entertaining read. The author's deep love and respect for the wildlife in Botswana shine through the stories, as he shares his experiences with wild animals, the daily grind of running a safari camp, and interactions with tourists. While the book focuses on the author's adventures and mishaps in the African bush, it also offers insights into the nature of safari tourism and human-animal interactions in a captivating and light-hearted manner.
The first place in Africa that employed me was a camp called Idube. The people who came there, like the people who came to every camp where I have ever worked, loved a thrill, something different. So ...- #5
Save:In his travels around the world, as a valued slave and then a freedman, Equiano observes the shocking abuses experienced by less fortunate slaves, who are tortured, raped and murdered at will by their masters. This is a first hand account of life in 1700's from pastoral village life in Africa to capture, enslavement, purchased freedom, life in Europe, adventure on the high seas and eventually salvation in Christ Jesus. Equiano's life story is astonishing, inspiring, often charming and he tells it well, detailing his journey from being kidnapped as a child to becoming an accomplished entrepreneur who eventually buys his own freedom.
for with a most dreadful sound it hissed close by me, and struck a rock at a little distance, which it shattered to pieces. When I saw what perilous circumstances I was in, I attempted to return the n... - #6
Save:Circling the Sun by Paula McLain is a historical novel based on the remarkable life of Beryl Markham, a woman who defied societal norms and became the first licensed woman horse trainer and one of the early women aviators. The book vividly brings to life the colonial era in Kenya, portraying Beryl's challenges, triumphs, and relationships with notable figures like Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen. Through captivating storytelling and rich descriptions, the author takes the reader on a journey through Beryl's coming-of-age feminist triumphs, her love for Africa, and her relentless pursuit of freedom and independence in a time when women were expected to conform.
Before Kenya was Kenya, when it was millions of years old and yet still somehow new, the name belonged only to our most magnificent mountain. You could see it from our farm in Njoro, in the British Ea... - #7
Save:Set in a newly independent and still unstable Central African country, the story follows an Indian man who uproots his existence and becomes a shop owner in a remote African village situated at the bend in the river. Through his eyes, readers witness the changes the country undergoes during post-colonial times, depicting a life filled with exotic, dangerous, and corrupt elements. The novel provides a vivid portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals trying to survive in an ever-changing and unfamiliar world, all narrated by a character who sits at the center of events without having much impact on them.
The book delves into themes of uprootedness, the constant jockeying for security, and the generalized fear that settles over the residents of the community. It offers a reflection on the existential dilemmas faced by the characters, the tension between family acceptance and alienation, and the transient nature of human experience amidst political upheaval and turmoil in Africa.
Nazruddin, who had sold me the shop cheap, didn’t think I would have it easy when I took over. The country, like others in Africa, had had its troubles after independence. The town in the interior, at... - #8
Save:'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Creating Currents of Electricity and Hope' by William Kamkwamba is an autobiographical story of a young boy in Malawi who learns how to build windmills to help his village. Despite facing famine, being forced to leave school, and encountering various setbacks, William's determination to bring electricity to his village shines through. narrates William's journey of building a windmill from junkyard parts, showcasing his resilience and innovative spirit in the face of adversity.
The narrative style of the book is conversational, gripping, and educational. It provides insights into life in Africa, the struggle for survival, ingenuity in challenging circumstances, and the importance of hope. Through William's eyes, readers are exposed to a different perspective on resourcefulness, self-reliance, and the value of education, making it a compelling and eye-opening read for all ages.
That afternoon, my father walked eight kilometers to a place called Masaka where the trader lived. He told the man what had happened, about the herd boys coming by and giving me the stolen gum. Then w... - #9
Save:'A Primate's Memoir: A Neuroscientist's Unconventional Life Among the Baboons' by Robert M. Sapolsky is a captivating memoir that takes readers on a journey through the author's experiences studying baboons in East Africa. Sapolsky's narrative skillfully blends scientific insights with personal anecdotes, offering a unique exploration of primate behavior and neurobiology. The book provides a rare glimpse into the world of primatology, highlighting the challenges and adventures of field research in the African wilderness.
Robert Sapolsky's writing style is described as insightful, humorous, and engaging, drawing readers into his unconventional life as a neuroscientist living among wild baboons. Through witty and self-deprecating storytelling, Sapolsky shares the highs and lows of his research on the savanna, creating a narrative that is both informative and deeply human. The book not only delves into the complexities of primate behavior but also reflects on the interplay between humanity and the animal kingdom, offering thought-provoking insights into our shared evolutionary history.
I joined the baboon troop during my twenty-first year. I had never planned to become a savanna baboon when I grew up; instead, I had always assumed I would become a mountain gorilla. As a child in New... - #10
Save:'The Shadow of the Sun' by Ryszard Kapuscinski is a collection of essays and firsthand accounts of the author's travels in Africa from the 1960s to the 1990s. Kapuscinski immerses himself in the local culture, avoiding the comforts of affluent foreign correspondents to experience the real Africa. Through his spare and captivating writing style, he delves into the ordinary lives of the people he encounters, providing insights into different cultures, landscapes, historical events, and international politics across the continent. Kapuscinski's narratives offer a deep and humanizing look into the vastness of African life and history, touching on themes of colonialism, humanity, and adventure.
More than anything, one is struck by the light. Light everywhere. Brightness everywhere. Everywhere, the sun. Just yesterday, an autumnal London was drenched in rain. The airplane drenched in rain. A ...
