by Eddy L. Harris
The author, an black American, travels through Africa. It is a triumph
of superb writing and philosophical reflection. Quite possibly the best
non-fiction book I have ever read. It is a travel book, but so much
more – not as much about Africa as people, skin color, race,
generosity, need, pride, and everything else that makes people human.
The description was incredible: I could put the book down for long
periods of time, and when I started again was transported instantly back
to where Harris was, with no gap in the experience. It is about the
generosity of people who have nothing, the patient endurance of people
who have been conquered. Finally, Harris' honesty was astounding: he
described his neuroses about germs, his anger, his sadness, his
happiness in South Africa which astounded him, the tyranny of black
officials, his moments of luxury amidst poverty – all this without
flinching, clearly and calmly. A perfect travel book.
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