Paul Theroux revisited Africa 35 years after teaching in Malawi. He traveled from Cairo to Cape Town, and along the way records the changes that have occurred. This is a discouraging book to read, because Africa has become "...hungrier, poorer, less educated, more pessimistic, more corrupt, and you can't tell the politicians from the witch-doctors."
It is just as interesting, however, to study the author. He describes himself as a loner, and thoroughly enjoys being where no one knows where he is. His encounters with various personalities along the way reveal inner struggles with loneliness, pessimism, and despair. Frankly, that trip would make me have those feeling too, but you get the sense that he planned this trip to escape from western culture one last time while his health is good. He has absolutely no hope for Africa's future, and he himself has no hope. It is a journey of a hopeless man traveling through a hopeless continent. His character reminds me of Jack London and Ernest Hemingway.
Before you say, "Forget reading that book!" I want to assure you that you will not be disappointed. Thoroux has a way with words that make Africa come alive in your mind. There is a reason he is recognized as a successful writer. If you research his life, you will find that the whole extended family is full of writers. (Why did he get all the genes?)
Most interesting is his opinion of aid workers. It convinced me that organizations such as Lahash are the only successful ones, because they are partnering with existing local ministries, as opposed to a top-down approach.
Read this book and give me your feedback.
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