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andrew_j_r's review against another edition
4.0
This is an utterly awesome book, which equally captures the beauty and futility of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In it, he retraces the steps of Stanleys original crossing of Africa in 1874-7, in a country with no real govermnent, where tribes fight for control and there are no consequences for murder. Butcher did this in 2004, risking his life to do something that he was constantly told was impossible. Stanley did it with an entourage, Butcher does it alone. Best book I have read in ages.
qls's review against another edition
3.0
so delightfully exaggerated and overdramatic it's essentially fiction.
an entertaining, easy read.
an entertaining, easy read.
juliamp20's review against another edition
5.0
I could not stop reading this book, I had to know what happened. I found it very captivating and recommend it!
barbaraskalberg's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 truly enjoyed this first hand account of one man's journey tracing Stanley's trek following the Congo river from its source to the ocean. The history woven through the book is sad and interesting at the same time.
tjrslc's review against another edition
5.0
An enthralling book in which the author describes his journey along the Congo River. The most interesting parts of book are not necessarily the retelling of the author's trip (although I found myself truly rooting for him to complete his journey successfully), but his telling of Congo's pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial history. Fascinating stuff that sheds light on the challenges Africa is facing.
robatk's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
nshellab's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting mix of (almost) contemporary travel adventure and history, as the author attempts to travel overland through the Congo retracing Stanley’s roots. The question “why is Africa (and he Congo) not developing but rather regressing?” Is brought up and discussed using the history and current situation to explain the author’s views.
I liked the history. I liked the travelogue. I found the philosophical discussion less than satisfactory. Maybe I just can’t stand another outsider telling Africans what to do.
I liked the history. I liked the travelogue. I found the philosophical discussion less than satisfactory. Maybe I just can’t stand another outsider telling Africans what to do.