Travel Literature Makes My Heart Beat Faster.. discussion
Recommendation needed
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Dina
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May 06, 2011 06:56AM
Can anyone help me here? I am enthralled by Peter Godwin's book(s) on Zimbabwe, his family, his upbringing there, etc. I'd love to hear from someone who's read both Zanzibar Chest and When a Crocodile Eats the Sun and can tell me how they compare (no, this is not a highschool quiz question!). The comments particular to Zanzibar Chest are split between "loved it" and "disliked it." I don't know which way to go....
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I haven't read either Zanzibar or Crocodile, but you might want to try Don't Let Us Go To The Dogs Tonight, which covers some of the same territory, and is quite good.
Mary wrote: "I haven't read either Zanzibar or Crocodile, but you might want to try Don't Let Us Go To The Dogs Tonight, which covers some of the same territory, and is quite good."Thanks Mary. I agree Don't Let's Go... is a good read. I read it some years ago and have it on my shelf with the "must keep these" books.
Two other books might interest you - 1) 20 Chickens for a Saddle - this is in my to-read pile so I can't comment specifically, but reviews were good, and 2) The Africa House, by Christina Lamb, which is biographical about Stewart Gore Browne who came to Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) in the early part of the 20th century, fell in love with the place, and came back after WW1 to start a farm - ultimately became the first white man to get a Zambian citizenship upon the country's independence. He was a remarkably prolific letter writer and diarist, so the book is drawn all from these sources. His own life was fascinating, as is the period that it covers in African history.
Mary wrote: "Two other books might interest you - 1) 20 Chickens for a Saddle - this is in my to-read pile so I can't comment specifically, but reviews were good, and 2) The Africa House, by Christina Lamb, whi..."Mary, thank you!! for these recommendations. They both sound fascinating and I had not heard of either of them before. I will add to my "to read" list. And I love the title 20 Chickens for a Saddle. It speaks volumes with just a few words.
Haven't read When a Crocodile..., but regarding Zanzibar Chest I understand why some loved and some hated it. I'm split between the two, as effectively the book follows two stories. One is a family history type story following this Zanzibar chest, which I didn't find very interesting at all (and in fact I can't really remember all the details now). But the other half of the book is the author retelling stories of his life as a war reporter, which was absolutely fascinating. I'd say that half of the book ranks up there with any other book I've ever read.
Zimbabwe... Zanzibar... Can't think of two more dissimilar countries in Africa! These days they both begin with the same letter 'Zed' but am I missing something?
Samuel wrote: "Haven't read When a Crocodile..., but regarding Zanzibar Chest I understand why some loved and some hated it. I'm split between the two, as effectively the book follows two stories. One is a family..."Samuel, I appreciate your sharing this feedback. Now I will have to decide whether wading through the dull stuff is worth it. Or perhaps I'll just read The Bang-Bang Club!
I've read both Zanzibar Chest and When a Crocodile and liked them both. Zanzibar Chest is definitely largely about war and violence and what it is like to report them, although Africa (particularly Kenya) is the author's home, so he focuses on that. But "Crocodile" is about a family's experiences in Zimbabwe and is a fascinating memoir of that country and the author's personal feelings about the country. A Zimbabwe book I've got on my to read soon list is "The Fear." I'll try to go back and find the publishing details.
Andrea wrote: "I've read both Zanzibar Chest and When a Crocodile and liked them both. Zanzibar Chest is definitely largely about war and violence and what it is like to report them, although Africa (particularl..."I think I'm ready for Zanzibar Chest. The Fear is Peter Godwin's follow-up to Crocodile, bringing the reader current on the situation in Zimbabwe. Let me know what you think of it as I will not be able to get to it soon. Did you also read Godwin's Mukiwa?
Actually I dare say I should correct one statement. Zanzibar after 1964 experienced a bit of the madness that engulfed Zimbabwe more recently. I must add, nothing to do with the Omani past. Just looking for a parallel...
I would like to recommend a terrific book -- The Tiger by John Vaillant: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86...It's a combination travel -- because it takes place in Siberia, and includes history and culture -- as well as the gripping story of a man-eating Siberean tiger stretched to its limit by poachers and hunters. The writing is terrific. John Vaillant has written many travel articles for magazines such as The New Yorker, Atlantic Monthly and Outside.
And here is a brief video where he talks about this fantastic book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86...
