Title: Bill Bryson’s African Diary
Author: Bill Bryson
First published January 1, 2002
55 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780767915069 (ISBN10: 0767915062)
Rating: 3.47
Overview
Bill Bryson’s African Diary is an insightful memoir of the author’s journey to Kenya with CARE International in 2002. With his characteristic wit and humor, Bryson shares his thoughts on the vibrant culture and people of Kenya, from the poverty-stricken Kibera slum to the stunning landscapes of the Great Rift Valley.
Along the way, he experiences the challenges of traveling through a postcolonial society in transition, including a teeth-rattling train journey and a hair-raising flight through a dangerous storm. Bryson also shines a light on the work of CARE International and their efforts to combat poverty, dislocation, and corruption in Kenya.
This diary is a must-read for anyone interested in travel, culture, and making a difference in the world.
About the Author
Bill Bryson, a famous author born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1951, settled in England in 1977 and worked as a journalist before becoming a full-time writer. He resided in North Yorkshire with his English wife and four children for several years before moving to New Hampshire in America.
However, he has now returned to live in the UK.
Bryson’s first travel book, which chronicled a trip in his mother’s Chevy around small town America, and his account of his first trip around Europe called “Neither Here Nor There” were both well-received. He’s also known for his other travel books, including the bestselling “Notes from a Small Island,” “The Lost Continent,” “A Walk in the Woods,” “Down Under,” and “The Road to Little Dribbling.”
Furthermore, Bryson has authored a few books on the English language that have received high praise, such as “Mother Tongue” and “Made in America.” His last book, “The Body: A Guide for Occupants,” focused on science and was a huge success, winning both the Aventis Prize for Science Books and the Descartes Science Communication Prize, as well as being shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize.
Bryson’s upcoming book, “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid,” is a memoir about growing up in the 1950s in America, featuring his friend Stephen Katz. It’s set to be published on October 8.
Editoral Review
Bill Bryson’s African Diary is a non-fiction book presenting a raw, detailed, and humorous account of the author’s two-week trip to Kenya, Africa. Bill Bryson, an accomplished writer and novelist, is recognized worldwide for his works, which are distinguished by his excellent humor, erudition, and enthusiasm.
African Diary, initially published in 2002, voyages through the author’s adventures, challenges, and meetings in Kenya, Africa. The book’s themes are categorized into two groups, the first being the author’s experience touring Africa’s natural habitats, combined with the experience of its diverse cultures.
The second is the serious issue of Africa’s environmental issues. The book imparts hilarious stories when describing the continent’s wildlife, amusing interactions with tour guides, and the unrelenting humor he weaves through the tiresome of his travel.
Despite this humor, Bryson manages to highlight Africa’s environmental challenges, its lack of sanitation, and a plethora of issues such as deforestation, animal poaching, and the AIDS epidemic. The book’s unique style is distinct in its depth of insight, blunt delivery, and entertaining humor.
Bryson’s writings are infused with irony, sarcasm, and humor, making it a refreshing read for all ages. The author possesses the prowess to take his readers on a journey through Africa, where they get to envision the wild, and the intricacies of local lifestyles.
Bryson’s account is enthralling, and the language used is descriptive, allowing the reader to effortlessly transport to the locations he writes about. Bryson also casts light on the continent’s turbulent history, such as its colonization and political unrest, a topic somewhat unavoidable when writing about Africa.
However, he delivers this information in a lighthearted and digestible manner, which adds to the appeal of the book. Bill Bryson’s African Diary also explores the beauty of the African wildlife and natural habitats.
The book is a testament to Bryson’s lifelong curiosity- he unearths a plentitude of information from local people, researchers and incorporates anecdotal stories. The information provided on the environmental situation in Africa is eye-opening, and the realities depicted paint a picture of a continent in dire need of restoration.
The book’s structure is impressive, punctuated with a handful of illustrations, giving life to the author’s account. The book has a predictable yet swift pace, and the characters introduced add to the book’s charm, making it impossible to put down.
Bill Bryson’s African Diary has some flaws, with some sections feeling somewhat extended, and the book itself being too concise. Still, the positives of the book overshadow the negatives, with the humor and insight outweighing the flaws.
Ultimately, Bill Bryson’s African Diary is a fascinating and insightful read, and it is highly recommended to anyone interested in travel literature or African history. It is also an invaluable resource for anyone keen on issues affecting Africa, providing profound insight into decades of environmental destruction.
Told with honesty, frankness and humour, it is perhaps one of the most honest accounts of traveling in Africa ever written. It is not a comprehensive account of the African experience, but it does provide adequate information to spark one’s wanderlust for this remarkable continent.
Overall, the book is a solid 8/10.
