The Zanzibar Chest: A Story of Life, Love, and Death in Foreign Lands Paperback – Import, 13 December 2016

Der Schriftsteller authentisch, die Geschichte fantastisch aber real, spannend geschrieben, der Bogen spannt von dem überlebensgroßen englischen Kolonialoffizier über seinen dieser Herkunft nicht entrinnenden Journalistensohn, bis in die Verzweiflung der "failed states" wie Somalia.

I purchased two copies, one for a friend and one for myself. I heard a book review given on BBC radio given by three reviewers Each had enjoyed the book immensely. Based on that review and the fact that my friend and I both have spent a great deal of time in Africa, thought it would be an interesting read. As yet, I have only read the first few pages, but feel that it will be well worth reading.

Well worth reading, brilliant book on contemporary Africa, written with heart and honesty.

Classic, absolutely classic memoir of a very fulfilled life. Part of the narrative was as good as the 'Heart of Darkness'. What a story, kept me captivated and engaged throughout the 440 odd pages. For me the most interesting aspect was the self reflection of the White colonisation of Africa. I tend to agree with Hartley's dad. They should have never gone into Africa. Whence gone in they should never have left it. Arabs colonised Africa before the Europeans, and they stayed on, slowly converting the local cultures to Islam. Now it is impossible to differentiate between the two races in Africa. This book is a homage to the few but extremely courageous Europeans who decided to stay on, long after their mother-ship had decided to go back. Aidan's experiences in some of the most vile and despicable massacres in Africa clearly demonstrates the important role of white man still has in controlling human disasters on unimaginable scale in Africa. Perhaps the most important insight I have had from the book is the working of the Western media when covering human catastrophes, where there is an implicit policy of fitting the pigeon holes of the Charities, reader's fatigue, and stock market reactions. It does seem like that traditional media has become pretty ineffective and needs to be completely redefined.Read the book if you want to witness the real face of human nature.

Tout ou presque a déjà été dit sur ce livre devenu un classique à lire et relire. Histoire d'une famille de coloniaux britanniques, Histoire tout court avec un grand H, récits hallucinants des hécatombes des années 90, témoignage d'un journaliste de terrain, prix à payer pour avoir affronté l'horreur et déclaration d'amour à l'Afrique. C'est tout ça et encore bien plus.