gianouts's review against another edition
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It contained great insights into an expat integrating into African society, the difference of cultures, corruption and living through a period of tribal unrest. The book had lots of action and I found it hard to put down although it could do with a bit of editing in places.
mazza57's review against another edition
a really good read with an interesting twist at the end
morganbc728's review against another edition
4.0
The beauty of this story is what initially intrigued me and what held me as a captive audience from the first to last pages. Though I felt somewhat ‘behind the 8-ball’ without having read the first in the series, the explicit detail with which the author leads the reader into Africa, through the pluck and verve of her protagonist, Aime. Young and full of heart, while retaining a very honest uncertainty about the path she walks, Aime strides boldly where many others might fear to tread, but her goal is far and away one that might lead many of us in the same direction. The story is inspiring and uplifting; yet filled with the very real, often frustrating, realities Africa/African’s face today. Well written and accurate, I would recommend it to anyone interested in reading something other than fluff and farce.
zlatco's review against another edition
2.0
Not very good. Kind of boring and bland. Couldn't finish.
eksexton's review against another edition
3.0
The synopsis of Amie grabbed by attention: I added this to my "to read" list right before moving to Thailand. A different setting, but I knew the sentiments around culture shock would be relatable.
Amie, from the start, kept my attention. I was excited to experience what it would be like to move to Africa right along with her. Clarke does an incredible job portraying the feelings that arise when moving to a place where the culture is completely different than what you are used to, as well as what it feels like to have the expat community take you under their wings and accept you. I have not been to Africa, but living in a country that sees a lot of more poverty than what we see in America, I can feel that Clarke has a very good understanding of what life in Africa could be like to an outsider. I was very impressed with Clarke's descriptive language and her ability to put into words the emotions her characters deal with.
Through about 90% of the book I truly enjoyed the story; Amie's story of survival was epic and I couldn't wait to see her through it. I will say I was disappointed in how this story ended, in regards to Jonathon's character. I was disappointed to see this gimmicky twist in an otherwise solid adventure novel.
All in all, Amie was a good story and I think most people will very much enjoy it and move on to Clarke's other books.
Amie, from the start, kept my attention. I was excited to experience what it would be like to move to Africa right along with her. Clarke does an incredible job portraying the feelings that arise when moving to a place where the culture is completely different than what you are used to, as well as what it feels like to have the expat community take you under their wings and accept you. I have not been to Africa, but living in a country that sees a lot of more poverty than what we see in America, I can feel that Clarke has a very good understanding of what life in Africa could be like to an outsider. I was very impressed with Clarke's descriptive language and her ability to put into words the emotions her characters deal with.
Through about 90% of the book I truly enjoyed the story; Amie's story of survival was epic and I couldn't wait to see her through it. I will say I was disappointed in how this story ended, in regards to Jonathon's character. I was disappointed to see this gimmicky twist in an otherwise solid adventure novel.
All in all, Amie was a good story and I think most people will very much enjoy it and move on to Clarke's other books.
bract4813mypacksnet's review against another edition
5.0
Amie, the heroine, gives up a successful career producing television shows and manages to make a new life in Kenya with her husband. Soon she's caught up in a world chockfull of African civil wars, terrorism, and international spies. Though she has flaws and faults, she struggles with situations beyond her control. Clarke manages to keep the reader enthralled until the turn of the final page.
Author Lucinda Clarke has a gift for capturing Africa in her prose. The reader sees both the savannah’s beauty and harshness, the allure and absurdity of life in Africa. Though some might consider this “escapist fiction”, Amie and the Child of Africa: An African Adventure deals with some sensitive issues that face Africa and the world as a whole.
Author Lucinda Clarke has a gift for capturing Africa in her prose. The reader sees both the savannah’s beauty and harshness, the allure and absurdity of life in Africa. Though some might consider this “escapist fiction”, Amie and the Child of Africa: An African Adventure deals with some sensitive issues that face Africa and the world as a whole.
cherime's review against another edition
5.0
The title threw me off a little and I taken aback by the gritty story contained in this book. We hear stories all the time about the horrors in third world countries all the time. This tale will fascinate and educate. But were I Amie I might have a few choice words for her loving husband. I had a hard time putting it down. Great story.
rebeccacarter's review against another edition
5.0
Up to a certain point in this story, I was able to relate to Amie. First, the fear of going to another country, where the culture was different from one's own. Second, the real "culture shock" is not going to such a country, but it is returning to your own culture after you've been away for a while. You expect the other culture to be different. But when you return to your previous life, you now see it through different eyes, your priorities in life have changed after seeing the poverty and other circumstances other people in the world live.
However, I have not lived the terror of being an expatriate in a country torn by civil war. Travelling into countries where armed guards partrol the borders was terrifying enough. Having to survive when being considered a criminal would be more than terrifying.
This book is well-written and brings the life of the African people to life. It shows the extremes in how people react to the conditions. From horror to acceptance. And it makes you wonder how much "right" others have to try to change the way people other than ourselves live. When, if ever, is it appropriate to intervene in the name of "humanity"?
However, I have not lived the terror of being an expatriate in a country torn by civil war. Travelling into countries where armed guards partrol the borders was terrifying enough. Having to survive when being considered a criminal would be more than terrifying.
This book is well-written and brings the life of the African people to life. It shows the extremes in how people react to the conditions. From horror to acceptance. And it makes you wonder how much "right" others have to try to change the way people other than ourselves live. When, if ever, is it appropriate to intervene in the name of "humanity"?
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