Colesen
5.0 out of 5 stars A true explorer
Reviewed in the United States on November 25
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An amazing adventure. I love reading stories about people who follow their dreams against odds that would quill most. Filby was strong in body, mind and character. And an engaging writer. Thanks for sharing your uncle's manuscript. It certainly merits being made available to a wide audience.
Karen C
5.0 out of 5 stars What a ride!
Reviewed in the United States on August 19
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What an adventurer Archie Filby was! His original writings and photographs tell an amazing story, of a time when someone with a little backing from home could make these (now seeming) outlandish plans for travel in an unmapped part of the world, and then just do it. I highlighted (in my kindle) a few passages which struck me as I read:
"The stretches of veldt - stone and boulder-strewn plains - mountains fading away in a blue haze in the distance - the change from almost white sand through all ranges of brown to a deep red - must be seen if you want to discover the lure of this part of South Africa" What description!
"As usual I was told that there was no direct road to Kumasi. Congo, however, assured me that he knew the way." Congo was a monkey! And there being no road was never an obstacle for Archie.
"I found two fully-grown lions observing my movements with flattering interest." Just another day at the campsite for Filby. This kind of stuff happened to him all the time.
I have recently read a lot of accounts of people's travels, but this trip was in an era when gentlemen adventurers could load up a very large car, have a splashy good-bye party that would be written up in a prominent newspaper and then hit the road ... for FIVE years.
An amazing time to travel. I'm grateful he kept a journal and Victoria Twead found it.
B. Tiscia
5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Young Adventurer
Reviewed in the United States on August 12
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I love Victoria Twead's books about her adventures in other countries. So when she came out with this true account of her Uncle Archie in Africa I had to read it. I was especially interested in the time period of the 30's because most of us in the U.S. only know of what the Tarzan movies show us-warring natives and viscious lions constantly attacking! Archie must have been quite charismatic-getting backing for his idea of a motor trip from Cairo to Capetown, and actually starting in London. How the man could repair those tires so many times, get stuck in the mud and sand, and still complete the trip will make you really appreciate how unique he was. He had such a wonderful attitude about all the adversities he faced. The descriptions of the country and the people at that time were so surprising to me-really quite civilized and mannerly! He made friends easily and you will meet them as he completes his trip. Archie had that restless nature and curiosity that most of us wish we had. Enjoy!
