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Title: Not worth it at any level
Review: I think Africans (which might explain why this book features in bargain bins across Johannesburg) will review this book a lot different to how Europeans will. What sums it all up in one word? "Patronising". How else does one describe a book where the writer frequently marvels at his comparative wealth to those around him, seems to get upset when the locals are not overwhelmed by his being white and being amongst them, etc? The text reads like an Arabian Nightmare with the odd interlude where something dramatic happens - such as the author taking part in the torture and slaughter of a black cat so that he can get a charm he hopes/believes/doubts (yes, all at the same time) will make him invisible - it never goes anywhere and paints the locals as clueless children. The worst part of it all is that the writer could have had the same experience by visiting any West African emigre community in any major city.
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