- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Century; illustrated edition edition (27 May 2005)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1844137074
- ISBN-13: 978-1844137077
- Product Dimensions: 27 x 24.8 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 469,339 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
The Sunday Times
Geldof's diary of 20 years' wandering through Africa is extremely well written and often remarkable
The Sunday Times
Geldof, who was always humane, is now pretty shrewd, and may even have become a little wise
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I saw the documentary on the BBC and admired Geldof's "in your face" approach to Africa's history. When it credited him for all the writing, I was happy to find this book and indeed, his diary style writing has more of an impact than most African history books written by scholars and historians who possibly never even visited our motherland. His comments are sharp and inspired and do justice to the complex situation in Africa through first hand experiences. At this price, it is clear to me that the money goes into the production of this big and picture intensive book (it is made in Germany, not Taiwan) and if there's any money left, well Geldof deserves it for educating us the way no other dares to, and hopefully will make sure he brings us more quality products such as this book in the future! Why would people criticise him for releasing such wonderful book when the same people won't mind paying for a Cola or a chocolate bar (both ingredients are still at the root of African child slavery)? The irony...
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was one of those almost accidental purchases driven by the thought of 24 hours on a plane and a lack of decent reading material in the airport bookstore.
It was an amazing surprise.
If you're sceptical of Geldof, or if you think a Rock star can't write prose, think again.
Geldof writes amazingly, capturing the spirit of the places he visits like some of the best Africa writers. Curiously, his prose is as emotive as Forna, Hartley, Gourevitch, Hanley or any of the other rare authors who capture the raw sense of belonging. He captures the smells, sights and sounds and writes like a man who needs to be in Africa to feel alive.
If you're one of the people who knows what I mean - get the book. In particular get the book because nobody else gets Ethiopia as well as Bob. (Well...Hancock's Sign and the Seal is good to read as you travel around Ethiopia but...).
The book is an absolute pleasure to read and makes a lot of sense. Geldof isn't constrained by political correctness or afro-apologism but is far from a pessimist. He sees the solutions to problems as simply as many of the average people he talks to - and that is uplifting.
Few authors could marry intellectual discourse, storytelling and emotional wandering as well as Geldof does here.
One downside - it does leave one wishing that Geldof could concentrate on one subject for more than a handful of pages because it's good stuff and just as you think you're tucking into a tasty dish...he's on to the next course.
Whilst you're at it, buy the hardcover - the pictures are as good as the text and it's dirt cheap for what it is. Meanwhile, I will be buying shares in Lalibela and Arouane Tour Companies cos once you see the pics, you'll want to go.
It was an amazing surprise.
If you're sceptical of Geldof, or if you think a Rock star can't write prose, think again.
Geldof writes amazingly, capturing the spirit of the places he visits like some of the best Africa writers. Curiously, his prose is as emotive as Forna, Hartley, Gourevitch, Hanley or any of the other rare authors who capture the raw sense of belonging. He captures the smells, sights and sounds and writes like a man who needs to be in Africa to feel alive.
If you're one of the people who knows what I mean - get the book. In particular get the book because nobody else gets Ethiopia as well as Bob. (Well...Hancock's Sign and the Seal is good to read as you travel around Ethiopia but...).
The book is an absolute pleasure to read and makes a lot of sense. Geldof isn't constrained by political correctness or afro-apologism but is far from a pessimist. He sees the solutions to problems as simply as many of the average people he talks to - and that is uplifting.
Few authors could marry intellectual discourse, storytelling and emotional wandering as well as Geldof does here.
One downside - it does leave one wishing that Geldof could concentrate on one subject for more than a handful of pages because it's good stuff and just as you think you're tucking into a tasty dish...he's on to the next course.
Whilst you're at it, buy the hardcover - the pictures are as good as the text and it's dirt cheap for what it is. Meanwhile, I will be buying shares in Lalibela and Arouane Tour Companies cos once you see the pics, you'll want to go.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One of the most insightful and moving books I have ever read. Geldof writes beautifully and is an inspiration to us all.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
RAW PASSION AND ANGER
Sir Bob shows his raw passion and anger at the problems he found in Africa. Stunning photographs and a stunning read.
Published 7 months ago by Brian Humphreys
over 7 hours of Bobbing and still gripped
I don't like Bob Geldof. Its not reasonable, but I don't. But I read a review of this audio book in the Guardian, around the time I was thinking what to buy for my 14 hour... Read more
Published on 27 Aug 2006 by Elsie Clutterbuck
geldof in africa
Geldof must be congratulated for helping to bring the terrible plight of africans to world attention. Read more
Published on 20 Aug 2006 by Mr. Gerald Sanders
And the rest
The proceeds from the resissued biog (a condition of the contract for this), and the future DVD proceeds and the profits that HIS TV company got from this documentary....
Published on 6 July 2005 by Elab49
Listmania!
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