A review by socraticgadfly
The Last Train to Zona Verde: My Ultimate African Safari by Paul Theroux
4.0
A solid book about some aspects of the present and future of southern Africa.
First, Theroux is a skeptic almost to the point of cynicism about First World charities' efforts in Africa. He says much of the money goes to lining the pockets of corrupt governments and cronies, which we all know. He goes on to note that some countries, like Angola (oil and heavy metals) and Congo (heavy metals, gems) have plenty of money from natural resources that less corrupt governments would be able to take care of much more of their citizenry's needs on their own. (And, some native African intellectuals agree.)
Second, he's somewhat similar in curmudgeonly thoughts about a lot of celebrity charity/"awareness efforts" in Africa. In one telling paragraph, without naming names, you know who he means by his list. He does, in one point, call out U2's Bono for talking up a radical black South African song that promotes killing, in another charity issue.
Third, he's again a bit curmudgeonly about most First World tourism to Africa.
Finally ... he says China will be in Africa for the long haul. Not just the government and big construction and mining businesses on major projects, but smaller businesses. Chinese restaurants. The Chinese version of dime stores or dollar stores. And "everyday" Chinese that go along with that. He said it will be just as exploitative as the old colonial powers were, but with more staying power.
At the same time, Theroux still finds much to love about southern Africa without overly romancing it. And, he reflects on his on aging, and mortality, as it intertwines with the world of travel.
A good read overall.
First, Theroux is a skeptic almost to the point of cynicism about First World charities' efforts in Africa. He says much of the money goes to lining the pockets of corrupt governments and cronies, which we all know. He goes on to note that some countries, like Angola (oil and heavy metals) and Congo (heavy metals, gems) have plenty of money from natural resources that less corrupt governments would be able to take care of much more of their citizenry's needs on their own. (And, some native African intellectuals agree.)
Second, he's somewhat similar in curmudgeonly thoughts about a lot of celebrity charity/"awareness efforts" in Africa. In one telling paragraph, without naming names, you know who he means by his list. He does, in one point, call out U2's Bono for talking up a radical black South African song that promotes killing, in another charity issue.
Third, he's again a bit curmudgeonly about most First World tourism to Africa.
Finally ... he says China will be in Africa for the long haul. Not just the government and big construction and mining businesses on major projects, but smaller businesses. Chinese restaurants. The Chinese version of dime stores or dollar stores. And "everyday" Chinese that go along with that. He said it will be just as exploitative as the old colonial powers were, but with more staying power.
At the same time, Theroux still finds much to love about southern Africa without overly romancing it. And, he reflects on his on aging, and mortality, as it intertwines with the world of travel.
A good read overall.