Amie’s plans for a settled marriage were dashed when her husband’s work took them to live in Africa. They had only just settled in before a civil war broke out and when the last plane evacuating the expatriates took off, Amie was left behind. She had nowhere to turn and no one to help her. In the city, the people were her enemies, and out on the savannah, there were predators who would not … hesitate to attack her. She would need all her wits to survive.
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This is a strong drama blended into a striking travel exploration and they complement and enhance each other very well. Reluctantly, Amie relocates to Africa with her husband’s new job, and her perception of Africa as she contrasts it with England, adds fascinating insight into the life and culture of the African way of life. The author employs all her senses to draw powerful descriptions and create a vivid pictures of Amie’s new environment. Set in a region where intimidation and fear from tribal wars is a constant threat. The characters are very believable and fit perfectly into their situations. In particular, Amie’s character grows as Africa opens her eyes, and she gains great strength from her nefarious experiences. The constant threat of danger provides the imperative for a thrilling backdrop as Amie adapts to her new life. A very well written story that does not disappoint. Highly recommended and I for one will be reading the sequel.
An adventure-filled journey that perfectly captures the very heart and soul of Africa…
My biggest regret about this book is that it had to end at some point, as all books do. It tells the story of a young couple’s move to Africa for the husband’s career, particularly that of the wife, Amie. It starts off sedately enough, detailing their preparations and Amie’s initial fears and nervousness about leaving behind everyone she knows and loves and her way of life back in England, charmingly detailing many of the fears any of us might have at such a prospect. After their arrival in Africa, things seem to be working out for Amie as she adapts to and begins to enjoy a very different way of life. Now although I say it starts ‘sedately,’ right from the start the author has already hooked the reader with a harrowing and well-placed preface of things to come, and the reader knows that this is to be no ordinary foreign posting, that danger and adventure are sure to follow their initial settling in.
As the story develops, the author introduces the reader to the real Africa and its way of life for the majority. Yes, Amie lives the comparatively comfortable and indeed luxurious life of an ex-patriot, shielded from much of the hardship, but she sees it all around her, and against advice goes out of her way to help as best she can. Within the story, with some truly beautiful writing and turns of phrase, the author manages to convey a real sense of being in Amie’s shoes, providing the reader a glimpse and real insight into the everyday life and comings and goings of the native population, of the poverty and corruption, and of course the dangers. We also learn though not to judge the culture and ways of the African people in relation to European ways of doing things. Amid the vivid descriptions of Africa, the ex-patriot community, and the local culture, the reader experiences the growing unrest of a volatile society, the dilemmas Amie has to face and deal with, and the sudden and explosive upheaval of an entire country. How she copes with everything around her is a story in itself, and perfectly complements the story of her African adventure.
Quite apart from the story itself, which was thrilling, to say the least, I also admired and enjoyed the way Amie adapted and grew as a person, watching her confidence and self-reliance grow a little more every day. We see the transformation of someone initially afraid of travelling much beyond her hometown and who probably thought that a package holiday to Spain was the extent of travelling abroad, into a resourceful and determined young woman more than capable of surviving the dangers of wildest Africa. What I would also say here though is that, while there is an element of memoir to the writing, this is still mainly an action and adventure filled tale, and one that won’t disappoint those who like to see the adrenalin flowing in their reading, combining an imaginative and descriptive narrative with just the right degree and tone of dialogue to drive the story forward. If I had but one tiny criticism it would be the cover, which if I’m honest, didn’t quite grab me or in my opinion, reflect or do justice to the story within. Other than that, I’m delighted to say the author is currently writing a much-anticipated sequel to this wonderful book.
Up to a certain point in this story, I was able to relate to Amie. First, the fear of going to another country, where the culture was different from one’s own. Second, the real “culture shock” is not going to such a country, but it is returning to your own culture after you’ve been away for a while. You expect the other culture to be different. But when you return to your previous life, you now see it through different eyes, your priorities in life have changed after seeing the poverty and other circumstances other people in the world live.
However, I have not lived the terror of being an expatriate in a country torn by civil war. Traveling into countries where armed guards patrol the borders was terrifying enough. Having to survive when being considered a criminal would be more than terrifying.
This book is well-written and brings the life of the African people to life. It shows the extremes in how people react to the conditions. From horror to acceptance. And it makes you wonder how much “right” others have to try to change the way people other than ourselves live. When, if ever, is it appropriate to intervene in the name of “humanity”?