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The Last Resort: A Zimbabwe Memoir
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More About the Author
Product Description
Review
"Unlike many of the other, more egocentric memoirs written by white Zimbabweans, Rogers' book captures the rich humanity of the millions of black and white Zimbabweans trying to make sense of the chaotic country around them. His yarn is not just funny and heart-breaking, but utterly engrossing." Sunday Times "This vibrant, tragic and surprisingly funny book is the best account yet of ordinary life - for blacks and whites - under Mugabe's dictatorship." New York Times "So do we really need another memoir by a white Zimbabwean? The surprising answer is yes, if it's as good as Douglas Rogers' The Last Resort. A ripping yarn, for sure. But it is in the nuance Rogers brings to Zimbabwe that he truly excels. It moves beyond memoir to become a chronicle of a nation. There is black and white, yes, but much more in the shades and tones of their mix - and it is in exploring them that Rogers, too, finds his art." Time Magazine "A gorgeous, open-hearted book. Rogers manages to do the vital work of taking race out of Zimbabwe's story and putting the heart and humanity back into it. A must read for anyone who really wants to understand the extraordinary decency of ordinary Zimbabweans" Alexandra Fuller, author of Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight
Product Description
For many years, Lyn and Ros Rogers were the owners of Drifters, a famous game farm and backpacker lodge in the eastern mountains. But when President Robert Mugabe launched his violent land reclamation programme, everything changed. The Rogers found their home under siege, their friends and neighbours expelled, and their lives in danger. But instead of leaving, as their son pleaded with them to do, they hauled out a shotgun and stayed. Soon afterwards, Douglas returns to find the country of his birth in chaos, and his home transformed into something between a Marx Brothers romp and the Heart of Darkness: marijuana has supplanted maize in the fields; hookers have replaced gap-year kids as guests; soldiers, spies and teenage diamond dealers down beers at the bar. Beyond the farm gates, armed war veterans loyal to Mugabe circle like hungry lions. And yet, in spite of it all, the Rogers - with the help of friends and locals, black political dissidents among them - hold on. And Douglas begins to see his parents in a new light: unbowed, even heroic. In the process he learns that the "big story" he had pursued throughout his adult life was actually happening in his own backyard. The Last Resort is an inspiring, edgy roller-coaster adventure, but also a deeply moving testament to the love and loyalty inspired by Zimbabwe and her people.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This book was a joy to read, not only for the wonderful story of Douglas Rogers stoic parents, but for the memories it invoked of Mutare. The book was extremely well written, and made me feel as if I had got to know Mr and Mrs Rogers Senior very very well, as well as the two Johns and Naomi. It also gave an insight into what happened in Zimbabwe after a lot of white Zimbabweans left the country in the early 80's for safer climes. Hopefully another book will be forthcoming as a follow up and to keep us all informed of how the Rogers' are continuing to keep Drifters up and running.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Douglas Rogers knows how to tell a story, with pace, humour and acute observation. It is "un-put-downable" and I read it within 3 days. It was so good I bought it for all my family and friends for Christmas '09 (I bought the US edition, of course!). Without exception, they too rave about the book. One friend who was himself evicted from his farm in Zim by Mugabe's mob felt he was reliving the experience all over again - perhaps not such a good Christmas choice, that one. There's a film in the making here.
37 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Last Resort is a gripping, funny and affecting book. Although set in the absurdity of Mugabe's Zimbabwe, it will resonate with anyone who has come to know his or her parents in adulthood. Rogers manages to infuse every situation with wit and humanity and, whilst presenting himself as a bumbling urbanite, beautifully captures the spirit of the people and the textures of the country. There is no earnest condemnation here, just a cast of sometimes noble, sometimes flawed human beings getting by in a very unusual place. I have often thought of Drifters since finishing the book and would strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys life's nuances or who simply likes to be transported to a curious and beautiful place when clattering along on the Tube. It is a very uplifting book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Riveting
Great tale of resilience and good humour in extremely trying circumstances.
A book that has informed and enthralled me.
Excellent
A book that has informed and enthralled me.
Excellent
Published 8 hours ago by Oliver Griffiths
Excellent Read
This was a really good factual story and would recommend to anyone interested in Zimbabwe. The history of this country is a tragedy in today's modern world and this book gave an... Read more
Published 4 days ago by Golflindon
The Last Resort
A surprising book that uses humour to bring to life an apalling (and ongoing) situation, in which the human qualities of resilience, dignity and perseverence against the odds shine... Read more
Published 19 days ago by Rooinek
The Last Resort
My daughter purchased this book for her kindle and after reading a few lines just knew I had to buy the book. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Acirfa
The Last Resort
Excellent book. I spent a bit of time in this area in the late 70s and was given a vivid picture of how things turned out and also how resiliant some of the White Africans were.
Published 4 months ago by Tommy
A great book!
Having been to Zimbabwe in 1997 and again in 2001 - I could see the difference in those few years. Not understanding what was going on at all. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Mary P. Barker
a great read
Expecting a rather harrowing tale, I steeled myself to read "The Last Resort" for my book club. What a riveting and entertaining read it turned out to be. Read more
Published 6 months ago by souter
The last resort
brilliant book - you can imagine yourself there and very accurate view of Zimbabwe and the changing times. thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Published 7 months ago by ALF
Not Withernsea
Selected for a book group, this account of life in Zimbabwe scored more than any book we have read in the past 3 years. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Bishop Burton Book Group
Amasing read!
I bought this book after brousing a few to get an idea about Zim as my boyfriend and his family are from there but now live in the UK. I liked that it was from 2000-2009approx. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Claire
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