It's been a while since I've read a book that I really couldn't put down, but this one has probably come before many things recently!
The story of a family, who are taken by their father, a missionary, into the Congo, at a time of massive upheaval (1960s).
Each chapter is written through the eyes of the women; the wife of the missionary, and their four children. They tell of their life amongst those they first regard as 'savages', slowly becoming involved and entangled in the Congolese rural way of life.
As you'd imagine, things are not easy; for the Westerners who want to impose their ideals and their god on the natives, but not for those who were born and raised in the harsh environment either.
A series of disasters occur, and these are seen by those who witnessed and took part.
I loved this book, it was totally fascinating, the descriptions of the country, the customs, and the believes of all the characters. I learnt more about the history of the Congo (mainly though looking up places and names mentioned in the text), and I came to care what happened to the women.
If I had to compare with any other book I'd compare it to Oscar and Lucinda by Peter Carey - another story of misguided religion.
3rd - 19th March 2012
