Really enjoyed this book.

Disappointing & slow.

Alexandra Fuller artfully articulates her memoir with poise, humour, and honesty, as she examines all that she is and all her family was. Set against the backdrop of the fragile sunset of the British Empire, Fuller’s recollection of the injustices of politics-of-place and time, of the pivotal moments in her youth, and the nature of relationships, is truly a story woven in a way that you can smell, taste, and feel. This is the story of one family’s journey that immerses & invests the reader. As we navigate the minefields of memory with Fuller, we see a wider story unfolding — as she comes of age, so too a weighing imperialistic mentality succumbs to its wounds and age; we witness these colourful characters through trial, triumph, and tragedy as their world is changed in such a profound way. Fuller’s humour, honesty, and palette of prose results in not only a great story, but a real modern rendition of an Out-of-Africanesque classic. On its cover, it’s a singular story, but at its core it is a story we can all relate to: who we are is rooted in where we come from, where we choose to go is effected by what we carry with us, and while we may be radically different on the outside, we are at our core, all part of a wider saga.

A beautiful heart-felt love letter to her family and Africa, both the center of Fuller’s soul. And that alone would recommend this book, but read more slowly, a pain and sadness begins to percolate up from the cracks exploding, at times, with the searing truth. that War and abuse -one in the same- scar deep. I suppose that books resonate for many reasons, but in this case, Fuller’s childhood filled with unbridled love for her home amidst chaos, land mines, insanity, war, and death seems eerily similar to any childhood filled with emotional land mines. For many, her words will resonate.

This was an astonishingly honest telling of a true childhood in Africa told with a unique and compelling voice. Fuller's words artfully capture meaning in remarkable ways, painting a picture of a country torn by war, racism, and the suffering of a tough land. It was very personal, very human, and very moving. I HIGHLY recommend this read.