Surprising

I really enjoyed it. It's well written and narrated, the stories sound a bit crazy at times (even crazier when you remember they're true). An interesting account of a wild childhood. Some trigger warnings (child abuse, death, alcoholism).

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I was back in Africa and I yearned for it

“Work harder, Work harder” cry the Cape Turtle doves. I relax as soon as I hear them. Having lived in SA for 6 years and travelled through central and east Africa this book evokes such wonderful, and yes at times bitter sweet, deeply felt memories. The birds, animals both domestic and wild, the different peoples, languages, food, superstitions, eccentricities, landscapes and dry heat. It says a great deal about a continent that despite such terrible, devastating, brutal and cruel tragedies one’s heart can be so touched by a place that one could kiss the earth arriving back there. Africa is deep in all our souls. What a brilliant, often wonderfully absurd and humourous, poignant, beautifully written memoir. Yes I felt that I was there. I downloaded the sequel “Cocktails under the tree of forgetfulness” as soon as I finished. Thank you Alexandra for sharing your incredible childhood and for evoking such touching memories. I will always think of you as that gutsy nine year old left alone thirsty in the bush on her horse, wondering what it felt like to be shot. Wonderfully narrated.

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Brilliant

So glad I found this author, would have happily spent a credit on this but included! Have now downloaded everything by her, so pleased I came across this book, her accounts of past events are almost poetic, the depth of description means you are there alongside her, definitely recommend

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Narrator was outstanding

I felt the story was somewhat disjointed and then rushed towards the end. Overall an enjoyable read though - but in no small part due to the excellent narration.

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Don’t let’s go to the dogs tonight

Wonderful glimpse into a time that despite all the downsides the right people excelled in .

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Very interesting living history

Growing up in the UK its difficult to imagine that, at the same time, someone was growing up in Africa in such different circumstances.
This was such an honest and eye opening story.

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Beautiful

A gentle, atmospheric and poignant rollercoaster of a story. Loved every minute of it. Having been to Zambia and Zimbabwe, i found myself remembering the smells, the dusty heat and beautiful sunsets. A real treat.

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Undenied History

A story, beautifully written and narrated. It brings to life a family's history that is in parts, hysterically funny, devastatingly sad and also offers moments when it's stunningly brutal and breathtaking in its breadth, clarity, strength and honesty. I loved it!

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Funny, tragic and evokes memories

Absolutely loved it. A hugely gifted narrator. Adds to it that she has an African accent. It evoked chuckles, laughter, tears and own childhood memeories. A good book is one that is too short. What an author.

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Post-colonial memories of a British girl

The story is extremely interesting and the narrator is absolutely brilliant including the noises she makes imitating the animals that the author encounters. It is someone's memory so it does come with a little judgment but it makes the story even more authentic.

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4 people found this helpful