Esprit de Battuta

by Pamela Watson

The author recounts her cycle journey across the continent of Africa, recalling the joy and the poverty, the beauty and terror of the peoples along the way. She describes the despair of the awful roads, life amid political unrest and village evenings.'

Genres: Travel, Africa, Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Mark Latchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mere fact that the author successfully cycled through 17 African countries and survived to tell the story is remarkable on itself. Watson tells that story well, with quite vivid recollections of conversations, people and places along the way.
At 500 pages it is somewhat padded out with some segues that perhaps are peripheral to the core narrative but she writes in a way that is not stodgy at all.
However do note the ride was 30 years ago and the book first written soon after. I read the new 3rd edition which has been updated a little where recent events demanded it but you do read the book with part of your brain wondering what’s it’s like now where she was. An epilogue does bring you to 2019 but does not really explore the folk she met but rather focus on the feminist focus the author rightly is so passionate to about

[Don Annand · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful modern day adventure. Pamela’s solo bike trip across Africa from west to east ends up exposing the whole range of human interactivity, purpose in life, gender roles and attitudes, national, racial, political and religious influences, the impact of colonialism and because it’s Africa : nature. The remoteness, plants, animals, insects, mud, dust,rivers, mountains and plains.
The author reveals her humanity throughout as she shares her fears, frustrations, joyfulness and love. The maps in each chapter are an important asset, along with Google Maps, to follow her path.

[Peter Van dijk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boek niet uitgelezen, hooguit een kwart gelezen. Ik vind andere reisboeken leuker. Absoluut geen slecht boek maar niet voor mij.

[Robyn Davill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible journey by an amazing female human being. Well written.