Don't Look Behind You!: True Tales of a Safari Guide
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Product Description
Review
He writes beautifully and viscerally about the rhythm of bush life... as a reader you can't help but get caught up in the author's infectious enthusiasm for Africa's beauty and its beasts. On turning the last page, booking the first plane out to Botswana was most tempting.
TNT Magazine
Allison's writing is high on colour and is packed with engaging accounts of the sort of things that are just another day at the office for the average safari guide. If you love the thrill of safaris this book is for you. It is full of hair-raising stories of escape and adventure in the bush. Having worked for more than twenty years in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique, the stars of Allison's show are hungry lions and territorial hippos. There are some white-knuckle tales of dodging landmines too...
Sunday Telegraph
This is a wry and immensely colourful account of a young man's adventures as a safari leader in Botswana. Scared of heights, unfamiliar with the gym and terrified of an innocuous little tree-frog, high school drop-out Peter's rapport with the job is not immediately obvious ... A hugely eloquent writer in spite of severe mid-safari injuries to the head, he masterfully paces suspense. You'll never look at an innocent safari tour the same way again. Hapless and shamelessly self-deprecating, he possesses the asset of a perfect story teller the ability to poke fun at himself. Witty, exciting and ultimately unmissable.
Real Travel
--...
This is a wry and immensely colourful account of a young man's adventures as a safari leader in Botswana. Scared of heights, unfamiliar with the gym and terrified of an innocuous little tree-frog, high school drop-out Peter's rapport with the job is not immediately obvious ... A hugely eloquent writer in spite of severe mid-safari injuries to the head, he masterfully paces suspense. You'll never look at an innocent safari tour the same way again. Hapless and shamelessly self-deprecating, he possesses the asset of a perfect story teller the ability to poke fun at himself. Witty, exciting and ultimately unmissable. --Real Travel
TNT Magazine
Allison's writing is high on colour and is packed with engaging accounts of the sort of things that are just another day at the office for the average safari guide. If you love the thrill of safaris this book is for you. It is full of hair-raising stories of escape and adventure in the bush. Having worked for more than twenty years in Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique, the stars of Allison's show are hungry lions and territorial hippos. There are some white-knuckle tales of dodging landmines too...
Sunday Telegraph
This is a wry and immensely colourful account of a young man's adventures as a safari leader in Botswana. Scared of heights, unfamiliar with the gym and terrified of an innocuous little tree-frog, high school drop-out Peter's rapport with the job is not immediately obvious ... A hugely eloquent writer in spite of severe mid-safari injuries to the head, he masterfully paces suspense. You'll never look at an innocent safari tour the same way again. Hapless and shamelessly self-deprecating, he possesses the asset of a perfect story teller the ability to poke fun at himself. Witty, exciting and ultimately unmissable.
Real Travel
--...
This is a wry and immensely colourful account of a young man's adventures as a safari leader in Botswana. Scared of heights, unfamiliar with the gym and terrified of an innocuous little tree-frog, high school drop-out Peter's rapport with the job is not immediately obvious ... A hugely eloquent writer in spite of severe mid-safari injuries to the head, he masterfully paces suspense. You'll never look at an innocent safari tour the same way again. Hapless and shamelessly self-deprecating, he possesses the asset of a perfect story teller the ability to poke fun at himself. Witty, exciting and ultimately unmissable. --Real Travel
Product Description
'I looked behind me. The road was empty, except for tracks that now appeared blindingly obvious to me - lions, one sole human fool walking amongst them, and in the other direction desperate scampering hoof marks, drawn long in the sand as a warthog ran for its life'.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Boy's own adventure stuff from someone with whom I'd gladly share a beer, if not necessarily a Land Rover. Self deprecating author Peter Allison comes across as the kind of guide I'd follow just to find out what he'd do next, rather in the style of Eric Newby. The book may be a safer bet than one of his safaris and for armchair adventurers like me the next best thing.
Enjoying the experience in book form avoids the danger of being gored by hippos, eaten by leopards or drowning in crocodile infested rivers, all of which are on the author's list of things to do to liven up his trips. There are a few interesting accounts of the animals encountered but this isn't really David Attenborough territory - don't expect to learn a great deal about the animals or Africa, it's not really that kind of book. Insight and scientific assessment are perhaps not Mr Allison's strong points. This becomes obvious when he describes a trip rafting down the river mentioned above (crocodiles, hippos) using an inflated inner tube to fill an otherwise quiet day. It certainly gives a flavour of life in a safari camp but for the deeper issues affecting Africa perhaps look elsewhere (e.g., Richard Dowden, below).
As a light, escapist read this is spot on: the tales move along briskly and a sight more comfortably than his vehicles. Mr Allison has done things that are probably better to read about than try so has something to talk about: more prudent guides might have fewer stories to tell. The less prudent ones - if there are any - probably don't last long enough to write it down. His enthusiasm and reckless gung-ho approach keep things moving along at a cracking pace. I found the style very readable. A collection of spiffing tales, well worth a go.
Eric Newby's book (one of them - amongst the best):
A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush (50th anniversary edition)
Richard Dowden's:
Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles
Enjoying the experience in book form avoids the danger of being gored by hippos, eaten by leopards or drowning in crocodile infested rivers, all of which are on the author's list of things to do to liven up his trips. There are a few interesting accounts of the animals encountered but this isn't really David Attenborough territory - don't expect to learn a great deal about the animals or Africa, it's not really that kind of book. Insight and scientific assessment are perhaps not Mr Allison's strong points. This becomes obvious when he describes a trip rafting down the river mentioned above (crocodiles, hippos) using an inflated inner tube to fill an otherwise quiet day. It certainly gives a flavour of life in a safari camp but for the deeper issues affecting Africa perhaps look elsewhere (e.g., Richard Dowden, below).
As a light, escapist read this is spot on: the tales move along briskly and a sight more comfortably than his vehicles. Mr Allison has done things that are probably better to read about than try so has something to talk about: more prudent guides might have fewer stories to tell. The less prudent ones - if there are any - probably don't last long enough to write it down. His enthusiasm and reckless gung-ho approach keep things moving along at a cracking pace. I found the style very readable. A collection of spiffing tales, well worth a go.
Eric Newby's book (one of them - amongst the best):
A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush (50th anniversary edition)
Richard Dowden's:
Africa: Altered States, Ordinary Miracles
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
I had great hopes for this book, and it is packed full of juicy anecdotes, some funny, some touching, and some making one doubt the sanity and humanity of those in authority.
But, while Peter Allison obviously experienced all his stories, and the descriptions are resonant with my own memories of fifteen years in or near the bush, somehow the book comes across as being too much about him and his frailties, and not enough about the majesty and mystery and intensity that is Africa.
If one reads the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency books by Alexander McCall Smith, one can almost feel the heat, taste the dust and hear the characters talking over the background thrum of the insects; you are there. But not quite so with our safari guide, and I still can't put my finger on what is missing. The flavour is genuine enough, and most people who have never been to Africa will be very happy to read this book, however, like an insipid curry, the bite is missing.
Who am I to criticise? I grew up in Central Africa, close to the bush. We lived with the mosquitoes, flies, and spiders of all sizes, snakes, warthogs, jackals, hyenas, and the occasional antelope and their predators; and the maximum-noise walk (to frighten them away) in the dark down the garden path to the PK to answer a call of nature was fraught with danger in the mind of this child. One always knew when a neighbour fulfilled a similar summons, the stamping walk and the clatter and slam of toilet seats and lids vigorously knocking loose undesirable extras was unmistakeable.
Yes, this is a good book, and it brought back lots of memories, but I think it could have been so much better, hence only four stars.
For a much more authentic flavour of African wildlife with full bite and then some, although admittedly very dated, and these days possibly not quite politically correct, may I suggest you try reading Jock of the Bushveld by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, preferably a version with the superb original illustrations.
But, while Peter Allison obviously experienced all his stories, and the descriptions are resonant with my own memories of fifteen years in or near the bush, somehow the book comes across as being too much about him and his frailties, and not enough about the majesty and mystery and intensity that is Africa.
If one reads the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency books by Alexander McCall Smith, one can almost feel the heat, taste the dust and hear the characters talking over the background thrum of the insects; you are there. But not quite so with our safari guide, and I still can't put my finger on what is missing. The flavour is genuine enough, and most people who have never been to Africa will be very happy to read this book, however, like an insipid curry, the bite is missing.
Who am I to criticise? I grew up in Central Africa, close to the bush. We lived with the mosquitoes, flies, and spiders of all sizes, snakes, warthogs, jackals, hyenas, and the occasional antelope and their predators; and the maximum-noise walk (to frighten them away) in the dark down the garden path to the PK to answer a call of nature was fraught with danger in the mind of this child. One always knew when a neighbour fulfilled a similar summons, the stamping walk and the clatter and slam of toilet seats and lids vigorously knocking loose undesirable extras was unmistakeable.
Yes, this is a good book, and it brought back lots of memories, but I think it could have been so much better, hence only four stars.
For a much more authentic flavour of African wildlife with full bite and then some, although admittedly very dated, and these days possibly not quite politically correct, may I suggest you try reading Jock of the Bushveld by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, preferably a version with the superb original illustrations.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Overall quite a humorous book, telling the exploits of a safari guide. The book itself is quite readable and easy to get into, but I found myself halfway through the book and asking myself "what's the actual story?".
There are some very funny stories throughout, but the book itself doesn't have much substance - he touches upon the various wildlife, but spends more time talking about his experiences. There are some astute observations within the book, but these are mainly about the people he encounters, instead of wildlife. The author also likes to remind the reader - on a frequent basis - about his clumsiness (which is quite believable, but I doubt he's as clumsy as he'd like us to believe).
If want to know more about wildlife, then this isn't the book for you (even if you wanted to know how camps run or funny stories about wildlife in reserves, then this still isn't for you!). If you want an easy to read book written by an amiable author writing about his experiences and dilemas he got into, then this is perfect.
There are some very funny stories throughout, but the book itself doesn't have much substance - he touches upon the various wildlife, but spends more time talking about his experiences. There are some astute observations within the book, but these are mainly about the people he encounters, instead of wildlife. The author also likes to remind the reader - on a frequent basis - about his clumsiness (which is quite believable, but I doubt he's as clumsy as he'd like us to believe).
If want to know more about wildlife, then this isn't the book for you (even if you wanted to know how camps run or funny stories about wildlife in reserves, then this still isn't for you!). If you want an easy to read book written by an amiable author writing about his experiences and dilemas he got into, then this is perfect.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Very enjoyable
I very much enjoyed reading this - especially hearing about the author's experiences in Botswana. Some of the tales made me chuckle, and some had me wondering how he'd managed to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Kew
Don't Look Behind You.
I have not read it yet but if it is as good as Don't Run Whatever You do which had me roaring with laughter at some of his stories. I am really looking forward to starting it. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Heather Thomson-Stewart
Don't look behind you,there goes another me me me author
After reading only about 25% of the book I was to throw it in the bin, as I was bored with everything being compared with either a phallic symbol or some sexual comparison. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Foxfire
I cried Laughing
Hilarious - more tales from Peter about his life as a Safari Guide - he writes beautifully well, you can actually hear the sounds of the bush and smell that hot dust that typifies... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Icemaiden
Don't look BEHIND YOU
A very enjoyable read. Never having been on safari, but having wanted to since I was a child, reading this I'm not sure if I might be put off a little. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Kevin Roche
Entertaining
Being a safari guide is clearly more exciting than o might think. Diverting and original with a great evocation of place.
Published 18 months ago by R. Munro
Could be better...
The blurb for this book sounded like it was ripe with good tales, and so it proved. Unfortunately, the writing style isn't quite as good as the stories deserve. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Doktor Futtocks
An easy read, but lacking in depth
Don't Look Behind You is a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what it is like being a safari guide. This is an amusing and very readable book about all the scrapes a safari guide can... Read more
Published 21 months ago by TheLibrarian
Good Read.
I did enjoy this book, I have also read his other book. But, my enjoyment has been marred by the comments of
Jeroen V. Read more
Jeroen V. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Limarki
ANOTHER PACK OF LIES?
TO PETER ALLISON & THE PUBLISHER,
After having bought the first book "DON'T RUN WHATEVER YOU DO" and after reading the chapter "SCARS" which is a complete LIE as we are... Read more
After having bought the first book "DON'T RUN WHATEVER YOU DO" and after reading the chapter "SCARS" which is a complete LIE as we are... Read more
Published on 7 Feb 2010 by Jeroen V. Wittmarschen
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