Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Search - Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight An African Childhood
Author: Alexandra Fuller
In Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, Alexandra Fuller remembers her African childhood with candor and sensitivity. Though it is a diary of an unruly life in an often inhospitable place, it is suffused with Fuller's endearing ability to find laughter, even when there is little to celebrate. Fuller's debut is unsentimental and un...  more »
Info icon
ISBN-13: 9780375758997
ISBN-10: 0375758992
Publication Date: 3/11/2003
Pages: 336
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 261

3.8 stars, based on 261 ratings
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 18
There are books and movies that I love, but can't bear to experience again, and this was without a doubt one of them.
Alexandra's childhood is so foreign to my own that I was spellbound by it. I went from horrified to angry to amused to heartbroken and back to horrified several times throughout. The book weighed on me like a sad movie for long afterward.
If you don't like books that are emotionally draining, this one isn't for you. But if you need an eye opener to dysfunction and danger, this definitely is.
reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
Entertaining and honest. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The author's abilities never lead you to think that she is trying to impress you with her use of language. I related to her family experiences and the perspectives where told from a child's perspective. A good read.
reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 11
This biography reminded me of "Running with Scissors " with is blunt descriptions of a harsh upbringing and highly difunctional parents. Ms. Fuller is able to retell the events of her life with insight and humor. A very good read.
reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
This is a beautifully written memoir of a an English family's life in Africa. It is told by "Bobo", Alexandra Fuller, in a compelling and descriptive style that will have you hooked in the first chapter. This tale is sad; three of the five Fuller children do not survive infancy, but it is also humorous in parts. A wonderful read.
reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 120 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This is a fabulous book. In addition to giving the reader a fully-realuized memoir, the author also provides a history lesson about the experiences of middle class white farmers in Africa during the 1960s-1980s. Do not miss this book!
Read All 60 Book Reviews of "Dont Lets Go to the Dogs Tonight An African Childhood"

Please Log in to Rate these Book Reviews

reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 46 more book reviews
The writing is interesting with vivid descriptions of life in Africa as seen by a child growing up there. But the subject matter is distressing and depressing -- about a family dysfunctional to the point of almost being criminal. I'm pretty sure I'd not have finished reading this book if it weren't required reading for this month's selection of our book club.
rickt avatar reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 20 more book reviews
Starts off in a mixed up way but settles down later. Ever read Farquarson's Physique? Draws you in some place where you don't really want to go! And those dogs!
reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 12 more book reviews
This is a very good read. The follow up would be "Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfullness", which is also very engaging. Alexandra Fuller tells a sweet but painful childhood growing up in Africa and I could hardly put it down.
reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 11 more book reviews
It was different,something I didn't know anything about. Passed it on to my daughter who is going to Africa.
reviewed Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood on + 6 more book reviews
I loved this book; finished it in 2 days. It is a moving, detailed narrative of and extraordinary childhood.


Genres: