Janet Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 Bill Bryson's African Diary The 'blurb' Bill Bryson goes to Kenya at the invitation of CARE International, the charity dedicated to working with local communities to eradicate poverty around the world. Kenya, generally regarded as the cradle of humankind, is a land of contrasts, with famous game reserves, stunning landscapes and a vibrant cultural tradition. It also provides plenty to worry a traveller like Bill Bryson, fixated as he is on the dangers posed by snakes, insects and large predators. But on a more sober note, it is a country that shares many serious human and environmental problems with the rest of Africa: refugees, AIDS, drought and grinding poverty. Travelling around the country, Bryson casts his inimitable eye on a continent new to him, and the resultant diary, though short in length, contains the trademark Bryson stamp of wry observation and curious insight. All the author's royalties from Bill Bryson's African Diary, as well as all profits, will go to CARE International. There has been some criticism about the length of this book - but the whole point of it is to raise awareness of the sterling work done by the charity 'Care' - as Bill Bryson puts it, you're making a donation of £7.99 to Care - and getting a free book in return! I bought it for that very reason, and also because I sponsor a child in Kenya (albeit through a different charity) and therefore have a personal interest in reading about the country. There isn't really very much to add that the 'blurb' (which is nearly as long as the book! ) hasn't mentioned. It's definitely worth a read if you like Bryson's writing (which I really do). His ramblings about his experiences of light aircraft had me laughing and cringing in equal measure - and as someone who *hates* flying - even on a 'proper' aircraft - makes me even less likely ever to set foot in one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie Dana Posted April 18, 2009 Share Posted April 18, 2009 This is, I think, the only Bryson book I've not yet read. If it's half as good as his others, I have a treat in store. Thanks, Janet, for the review. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted April 18, 2009 Author Share Posted April 18, 2009 It's very short (only 57 pages of actual diary and then a few pages about the charity) but it's up to his usual comic standards! I have a few more of his still to read but have enjoyed everything by him that I have read. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shin Posted July 21, 2009 Share Posted July 21, 2009 I have just found out about Bill Bryson today. A colleague in work was reading one of his book during lunch hour and kept tittering away which got me intrigued. I will be definitely looking into reading his books. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janet Posted July 22, 2009 Author Share Posted July 22, 2009 Oh yes, definitely check out Bill Bryson - he's a very funny guy. Notes from a Small Island (about the UK) would be a good place to start. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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