Laura Resnick is an award-winning science fiction and fantasy author, the daughter of prolific science fiction author Mike Resnick. She was the winner of the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer in Science Fiction for 1993. She also writes romance novels under the pseudonym Laura Leone
Wow, this was just all kinds of educational and entertaining. The author spent most of a year traveling from top-to-bottom of Africa overland all the way in small trucks as part of a small tour group. It was interesting to note the changes in her perspectives and opinions as the trip progressed, and her descriptions of the cultures and wildlife and landscapes she saw were fascinating. I'll admit my prior knowledge of the continent was heavily influenced by Burroughs and Haggard, but since finishing this book I've been doing some reading to see what changes have developed since her visit, twenty-some years ago. Another thing I had fun with was comparing her book to the various essays her father, Mike Resnick (who's listed as the editor of this volume), published years ago describing his safari trips. The differences are amazing; I'm sure I could have never survived the experiences she describes. She tells her stories with considerable warmth and humor, and doesn't shy away from negative observations; for example, at one point she admits to trying to abandon one of her companions. The book includes quite a few photographs that add a lot to understanding the scope of the travels. This is really one of those good broadening horizons books.
This was a most enjoyable read- Laura Resnick's "overlanding" trip through Africa-from Morocco all the way to South Africa, a trip that lasted eight months. No pampered safari this, but at times a real ordeal. Laura tested herself to the limit and had some really incredible experiences. I'd love to visit Africa someday ( never been there) but I don't think I could survive "roughing it" the way she did. Some of those experiences she had include an encounter with wild gorillas,running the rapids of the Zambezi River,exploring the ancient ruins of Zimbabwe, as well as getting arrested in two countries and being attacked by bandits. I have to wonder if the situation has gotten only worse in most of the countries she visited. Is it even possible to go through the Congo anymore...?
If you can't spare a year to hop on a truck and ride it across the continent of Africa, this is the next best thing. In fact, there are points when you'll be thankful you AREN'T riding in a truck across Africa pouring Listerine on open sores or trying to explain yourself to armed soldiers. A very entertaining read.