R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 12/18/2012 + 1438 more book reviews

Living in Africa and managing a coffee farm, the author describes her experiences raising coffee and her interaction with the natives who work at the farm and serve as servants. Kamante, a strange native whose values are different from most natives, becomes her chef. For examples, he relates well to animals and cares for them as the author might. When a young bushbuck named Lulu becomes part of her life, Kamante takes charge of her care and feeding thus bonding with her. The book is filled with tale after tale about her African experiences. This is a read to peruse with care as tale after tale stands alone. Others, however, link to give a more complete view of how her life unfolded.

For examples, a shooting accident on the farm is the result of children playing with a gun. One boy is killed and another badly injured. The boy who did the shooting disappears and his father must make amends to the dead boy's family. The old men determine the number of animals the family receives. Tribal beliefs and tradition are important in such cases. The situation is examined from many angles it takes a long time. Much later in the book, the boy reappears, grown up and accepted as a valued member of native society and works on the farm.

On the other hand, the friendship with Denys is treasured and related with a clearness that portrays the depth the author felt for this charismatic individual. When he dies in a crash of his plane, the burial scene is related with the same depth emphasizing again the depth of the friendship. This is one I could read again and again.

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