African Saga

by Mirella Ricciardi

Genres: History, Africa

300 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 1982

Reviews

[Kim Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across a vintage copy of Mirella Ricciardi’s photographic tome, Vanishing Africa, in a second-hand bookstore in Cape Town some 18 months ago, before moving to Arusha in northern Tanzania some 6 months later. I picked up this copy of her memoir, African Saga, on the bookshelf of the house we stayed in for a time, and recognised the author’s name. I found Mirella’s unique tale of her extended family dynamics playing out against the backdrop of East Africa to be fascinating and absorbing; her recollections vivid; and her prose lyrical. Especially, for me, seeing as though this part of the world is now home to our family and business. Mirella has painted a portrait of a chapter of Kenyan history through the lens of her Italian heritage, detailing the innumerable trials and tribulations they faced on African soil. A compelling read.

 

 

[Clivemichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful testament to the influence of culture on human behaviour. Well articulated, beautiful photographs and an incredible story make this a volume worth revisiting if only for the evocative experiences vicariously enjoyed.

[Iain Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in the 1980's. Real life family saga, begins with author's father, an Italian ww1 pilot, then daughter Oria married Iain Douglas Hamilton the elephant scientist. Granddaughter Saba now a TV personality.