kerenmd

This book sat on my shelves for years because I didn't care for Theroux's Pillars of Hercules. I'm so glad I finally decided to read his memoir of his journey from Cairo to Cape Town. It's outstanding Despite the way Theroux rankled me with his mocking jibes of tourists in Cairo, he eventually calmed down (or else I just got used to him), and I greatly enjoyed Theroux as a travel companion. I use the term companion, because reading this book was akin to taking this trip right along with Theroux, albeit devoid of the worst inconveniences and threats to my well-being. From the moment we set out from Cairo, Theroux helps us to see the real Egypt. The dirtiness, the hunger, the scar of wars, and the people. As Theroux likes to point out about Africans: "the best of them are bare-assed." Theroux had spent a great deal of time in Africa during the 1960's, teaching when he was part of the Peace Corps. He claims the continent was full of hope then, but now it's gotten worse. He blames this, in part, on the all the aid pouring in by NGO's and compassionate foreign governments. These comments earned a lot of rancor from fellow readers, but I suspect there is a more than a grain of truth here. The amount of money flowing into these countries is significant enough to cause power struggles (they've certainly had them), corruption (had that too), and complacence among young people who'd rather have the hand-out, than work for their food (Theroux illustrates this many times). This book raises many questions, the first of which is what would be a better solution for Africa to get back on it's feet? Unfortunately, as evidenced by the harsh reactions to what Theroux so deftly points out, all solutions are politicized and therefore it's difficult for many to take a serious look at the problems without bias. It will be interesting to see how Africa and the world tackles these issues in the future. I will definitely be following along with great interest. 4 1/2 stars.

2022-11-14 16:04